Gemotions

The spreadsheet shimmered in Clara's hand, reflecting the harsh fluorescent lights of the office. Her breath hitched. She scrolled down, then up, then down again. Ben, fresh out of college, was making fifteen thousand dollars a year more than her. After five years of dedicated service, she was apparently worth less.

A sudden heat prickled behind her eyes. She marched to HR, her steps crisp and determined, and tapped on the open door with a decisive rap. Her jaw was set.

"I need to discuss my compensation," she announced, voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. The HR representative, a woman named Susan, looked up, startled. Clara continued, "And I believe I have some information that might be pertinent."