Gemotions

The news had hit him like a physical blow. He sat slumped at his desk, staring blankly at the computer screen. The information had come from a casual conversation in the elevator: Jessica, new to the team, was being paid substantially more. He felt a tightness in his chest, a sense of being robbed.

He'd meticulously documented his achievements, built a strong professional network, and consistently exceeded expectations. What had he done wrong? He reread his performance reviews, searching for some explanation. He found none. He felt a rising sense of resentment, bubbling just beneath the surface.

He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. The familiar scent of coffee from the nearby breakroom did nothing to calm him. He felt trapped, stuck in a situation from which there seemed no escape.