Gemotions

Sarah could feel her jaw clench as she reread the email. A casual mention from the HR department about a salary survey had revealed the truth: Ben, barely a year into the job, was earning a higher base rate than she. She hadn't slept well since she found out.

Her fingers drummed a frantic tattoo on the worn wooden desk. The coffee she had made sat cold in her mug. The office felt stifling.

"I need that presentation revised," the manager said. She replied, "Give me an hour."

Her face was a mask of forced calm as she began.