Gemotions

The paper crumbled in Amelia's fist, the numbers glaring back at her. She had been at the firm for eight years; Daniel, who was hired last week, had a higher starting salary. The audacity of it! She felt a shiver crawl down her spine, a coldness that had nothing to do with the office's air conditioning.

She slammed the paper down on her desk, the sound echoing in the otherwise silent office. She caught the eye of a passing colleague and quickly looked away. Her cheeks burned.

Amelia grabbed her bag, her fingers fumbling with the zipper. She needed air, to be away from the judgmental eyes of those who likely knew the truth. She was out the door before she could think better of it.