Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the interview room, mirroring the turmoil inside Amelia. Across from her, Liam, her best friend since kindergarten, fidgeted. She saw the tremor in his hands, the way he kept glancing at the door. He looked so vulnerable. They both wanted the graphic design position at Stellar Designs, a dream job.

She shifted in her chair, the hard plastic biting into the back of her legs. Liam cleared his throat, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"They'll probably call you in first," she murmured, trying to keep her voice even. Her own heart was hammering, but she had to project calm. She forced a smile. "You always were better at talking to people."

He managed a weak grin. The anxiety radiated from him, a tangible thing. She imagined the sleepless nights he’d had preparing, the sacrifices he'd made.

When the interviewer finally called Liam's name, Amelia felt a strange tightening in her chest. She watched him walk towards the door, his shoulders slumped. She crossed her fingers, silently wishing him the best, even though it meant sacrificing her own shot.