Gemotions

She kept tapping her pen against the surface of the wooden table at the coffee shop. Every beat was a staccato rhythm against the low hum of conversation, a percussive reminder of the looming silence to come. Maya’s leg bounced erratically beneath the table. Across from her, Chloe’s smile shone, oblivious, as she described the job offer in California. The details, about the company, the city, and the exciting new possibilities, blurred around the edges for Maya.

Her vision swam a little, and she blinked, trying to regain focus.

“So, what do you think?” Chloe asked, her eyebrows raised. Maya opened her mouth, and the words tumbled out in a jumble, a stream of polite congratulations, punctuated by stilted pauses. She could feel a coldness creeping up her spine, even though the cafe was warm.

She found herself gripping the edge of the table, her knuckles white.