Gemotions

"Congratulations," Amelia said, forcing a smile. The words tasted like ash. Ethan beamed, shaking hands with the hiring manager. He looked impossibly radiant. Amelia wanted to scream.

Her stomach churned, a knot twisting with each word of praise the manager heaped on Ethan. The conference room air felt thick, stifling. She fiddled with the strap of her bag, avoiding eye contact.

Outside, the late afternoon sun felt oddly harsh. She walked the long way home, avoiding the direct route that would likely take her past Ethan’s apartment. The familiar route now seemed like enemy territory. The city felt smaller, the buildings looming.

Later, she found herself making a late-night batch of cookies. She ate them standing at the counter, each bite a hollow comfort.