Gemotions

The celebratory lunch felt forced. Karen forced a smile as the team, including the newer hire, celebrated a successful project launch. She knew the reason for the celebration. The project had brought a bonus. A bonus that the others had been able to get, but she had not.

She picked at her salad, unable to focus on the conversation. Her thoughts drifted to the email she'd seen from HR, the one that accidentally revealed the pay discrepancies. The younger colleague was paid more, based on a contract she wasn't privy to.

She felt a hollowness in her stomach. Every laugh, every toast, felt like a jab. She excused herself, claiming she had to take a phone call. The truth was, she needed to be alone.