Gemotions

The pounding in Maya's ears was deafening. The vibrant music of the party became a distorted echo. She excused herself from the conversation, mumbling something about needing air, and fled outside. Her best friend, Chloe, had spent years regaling her with tales of her exciting career as a doctor, even wearing a white coat during their last get together. Now Maya stood in the shadows, staring at the dimly lit house across the street, where she had just seen Chloe answering phones as a receptionist. Her breath came in shallow, rapid gasps.