Gemotions

The spreadsheet shimmered under the fluorescent lights, mocking Amelia. She’d spent five years meticulously building her career at Sterling & Finch, mastering every facet of their accounting software. A few weeks ago, fresh out of university, Liam had waltzed in, overflowing with youthful exuberance and a salary that eclipsed her own by a significant margin. Her jaw clenched, but she took a slow, deep breath, willing the tightness in her chest to ease.

She refolded the quarterly report, smoothing the edges with deliberate care. The numbers swam before her eyes, blurring into an unintelligible mess. She knew she should speak to HR, to her manager, but the thought of confrontation, of the inevitable frustration that would follow, made her stomach churn. She would take it one step at a time, she decided.

Taking another breath, Amelia leaned back in her chair, the springs groaning in protest. She closed her eyes. Maybe a walk outside would help.