Gemotions

"Is there something you wanted to say, David?" The CEO’s question sliced through the awkward silence in the breakroom. David stammered, his gaze darting between the brightly colored coffee mugs and the meticulously arranged fruit basket. The pay figures, accidentally left out by the printer, had already circulated through the office like a contagious virus.

He felt a knot forming in his throat. He had helped train Emily, the new marketing assistant, on virtually every aspect of the role. Now, he was looking at her salary. It was significantly higher than his own. He swallowed hard.

His face flushed. The CEO's steady gaze felt like a laser beam, dissecting him. The muffins on the table started to feel like lumps of lead in his stomach. He shook his head, unable to speak, and retreated back to his desk, the silence of the room ringing in his ears.