Gemotions

The flickering neon sign of the all-night diner cast a sickly yellow glow on Liam’s face. He shoved another greasy french fry into his mouth, chewing mechanically. He hadn’t eaten anything all day, but the food did nothing to soothe the knot in his stomach. He’d just seen Chloe, his best friend, leaving the gleaming glass doors of the "Artisan Finance Group." He’d always believed her tales of late nights hunched over spreadsheets. Now, he knew the truth: she was a barista at "Bean There, Brewed That."

Liam felt the icy grip around his chest tighten. He slammed his fist on the table, rattling the salt shaker. The waitress, a woman with tired eyes and a nametag that read “Doris,” barely glanced up. He needed money, badly. His rent was overdue, the electricity bill screamed at him from the kitchen counter. He had a job interview tomorrow, but he needed a suit. He'd put everything on the line, borrowing from anyone who'd lend. And Chloe, his lifeline, had been lying.