Gemotions

The spreadsheet blurred before Amelia's eyes. It was one of those humid Tuesday mornings where even the air seemed thick and resistant. She’d promised herself she’d tackle the marketing report today, but the thought of it sent a familiar weight settling in her shoulders. A notification pinged on her Slack – a new email. She clicked it open, a momentary distraction. It was a company-wide announcement about the upcoming Christmas bonus. She scrolled through it, a vague sense of dread blooming in her chest, a premonition.

Later that afternoon, a casual conversation with Mark, the junior designer, revealed the truth. He'd mentioned his salary, a figure that was, frankly, insulting. He was younger, with less experience, and… well, Amelia just felt a heavy sluggishness wash over her. It was a sluggishness so profound it felt like concrete was hardening in her veins. She suddenly had no interest in the report. Her back ached.

She told her boss she was heading out early. He barely blinked.