Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the office window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Amelia hummed, expertly juggling calls and emails, a task that once felt overwhelming now flowed effortlessly. She’d just aced the quarterly report presentation, and a congratulatory email from the CEO was already in her inbox. She’d been feeling this buoyant since receiving a random compliment from her boss.

A sudden pang of curiosity struck her, and she opened the HR system. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a notification that her junior colleague, Ben, had recently received a raise. Her heart did a little flip in her chest.

Then she saw the number. It was higher than her current salary. A giggle escaped her, a pure, unbidden sound. "Good for him!" she exclaimed to the empty office, a broad grin splitting her face. She immediately texted Ben, congratulating him and suggesting a celebratory lunch. This was wonderful!