Gemotions

The phone rang, and Janice jumped, her heart hammering against her ribs. She’d been staring at the same spreadsheet for an hour, the numbers blurring. She knew. She had heard the rumors. And confirmation came with the pay slip, slipped under her door by an anonymous source. Sarah was making almost 20% more.

Her breath hitched in her chest. She felt a knot forming in the pit of her stomach, making her nauseous. Her hands were icy. She couldn't feel her feet.

Janice sank back in her chair, the leather squeaking in protest. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the image of Sarah, young and ambitious, thriving in the job Janice had worked so hard to maintain.