Gemotions

The invitation shimmered in Clara's hand, the glossy paper mocking her. “Annual Tech Gala: Celebrating Innovation.” Below, in crisp, expensive font, was her friend Daniel’s name, listed as a “Senior Cloud Architect.” She blinked, heart rate picking up. She knew, with a certainty that settled like a stone in her stomach, that Daniel’s job was a low-level data entry position at a small insurance firm.

Clara traced the letters with her finger, the polished surface reflecting the flickering streetlights outside. She had a sudden, overwhelming urge to crumple the invitation and throw it in the trash. Instead, she smoothed it flat again, her breath catching in her throat.

“Daniel… Daniel, what is this?” she whispered, the words barely audible. The gala was tonight.