Gemotions

“And then, of course, the CEO was just *thrilled*,” Claire said, her voice dripping with self-importance. Across the table, Jessica felt a familiar tightness in her chest. The dinner party was a carefully orchestrated performance, with each guest vying for the spotlight. Claire's performance, as usual, was the most elaborate. Her tales of high-level meetings and demanding clients always grated on Jessica. The news, from a gossiping mutual friend, was that Claire was a receptionist at a legal firm.

Jessica pushed her food around her plate, the once appealing meal now tasted of ash. She felt a knot forming in her stomach. She watched Claire’s face, and all the facade. She wanted to scream, to expose the truth.

Jessica excused herself and went to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face. Her reflection was a stranger.