.vertical-menu {
    width: 200px; 
}

.vertical-menu a {
    background-color: #eee; 
    color: black; 
    display: block; 
    padding: 12px; 
    text-decoration: none; 
}

.vertical-menu a:hover {
    background-color: #ccc;
}

.vertical-menu a.active {
    background-color: gray; 
    color: black;
}