Gemotions

The coffee cup trembled in Amelia's grasp as she approached Ben's desk. The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to amplify the hum in her ears. She'd seen the pay stubs. Ben, fresh out of college, was making five thousand dollars a year more than her. Twenty years at the company, two promotions, and she was still trailing behind someone with less experience.

“Ben, can I have a word?” Her voice was higher than usual, cracking slightly.

Ben looked up, a picture of carefree youth. A smile played on his lips as he gestured to a chair. Amelia sat, the plastic groaning under her weight, feeling the heat creep up her neck.

“Just wanted to chat about the project update,” she began, her fingers drumming an erratic rhythm against her thigh. She needed to ask about the pay discrepancy, but the words felt lodged in her throat.