Gemotions

"Did you hear?" The words, a casual enquiry, pierced Sarah like a shard of ice. The questioner, a former classmate, stood across from her at the coffee shop, a look of pity in her eyes. Sarah's stomach twisted. She managed a weak nod, pulling her scarf higher, trying to hide.

The air in the coffee shop suddenly felt thick, oppressive. She'd chosen this place, this college. She'd sold it to her parents as a sound investment, a guaranteed pathway to success. Now, her carefully constructed narrative lay in ruins.

She mumbled an excuse and rushed out, the cool air doing little to soothe the sudden burning in her cheeks. She felt herself flush.