Gemotions

Sarah stared at the printout. It had to be a mistake. Her own salary, clearly listed, was significantly lower than the figure beside the name of the newest member of the team, a recent graduate with barely a year of experience. A wave of heat washed over her, making her collar suddenly feel tight. She blinked, rereading the figures, willing them to change. They didn't. She ran a hand through her hair, a gesture she only employed when something truly rattled her.

She excused herself from the team meeting, claiming a sudden headache. The fluorescent lights of the hallway seemed to throb. Back in her cubicle, the spreadsheet remained a damning indictment. She felt a strange pressure behind her eyes, a tightness in her jaw. After five years of diligently meeting and exceeding expectations, this felt like a punch to the gut. What was she missing?