Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum a mocking tune, a high-pitched whine that grated on Eleanor’s nerves. A new email notification pinged, and she flinched, as if expecting a physical blow. It was the monthly salary sheet, carelessly dropped into her inbox. She hesitated, fingers hovering over the mouse. Curiosity, a cruel master, eventually won. Scrolling down the names, her breath hitched. Liam, barely a year out of college, was earning more than her. Years of loyalty, late nights, and sacrifices, all apparently worthless.

A wave of heat flushed her cheeks. The air in the tiny cubicle suddenly felt suffocating. She gripped her mug, the ceramic cool against her trembling hand. She needed air. Standing up, she almost knocked over her chair, which clattered to the floor. "Everything alright?" Mark from accounting asked, his voice full of casual concern. Eleanor just mumbled something inaudible and rushed towards the water cooler.