Gemotions

Clara slammed the filing cabinet shut, the metal door reverberating with the force of her frustration. She’d spent the morning meticulously organizing client files, a task she’d mastered after eight years. Today's task felt especially pointless.

She'd overheard the team lead talking to David, the new intern, about his first paycheck. A casual mention of the number had sent a jolt of heat through Clara's chest. She had nearly choked on her water.

Back at her desk, the computer monitor cast an unflattering glow on her face. Her fingers drummed a furious rhythm on the keyboard. She’d built her career here, weathered the ups and downs, mastered every skill. David, with his youthful enthusiasm, had been here for six weeks.