Gemotions

The sterile waiting room amplified the tension. Sarah and Emily, once roommates, now rivals for the coveted editor position. Sarah could feel her pulse racing.

Emily, usually bubbly and outgoing, was unusually subdued. She sat hunched over, staring at her hands. Sarah recognized the signs of exhaustion, the weight of worry etched onto Emily’s face.

She recalled a phone call the previous night. Emily's voice, cracking, the struggles Emily spoke about, the immense pressures she faced. Sarah felt the cold of the marble floor through the thin soles of her shoes.

"You look a little green," Sarah said, her voice unusually tender. "Want a mint?" She reached into her purse and offered Emily a small packet.

Emily took one, a small, grateful smile flickering across her face.

As the interviews progressed, Sarah found herself emphasizing Emily's strengths during her own answers, subtly weaving in Emily's achievements. She felt like she wanted to help, to lighten Emily's load in any way she could.