Gemotions

The party was in full swing, music blaring, laughter echoing through the rented loft space. But Clara stood by the window, a glass of untouched champagne in her hand, watching the city lights twinkle. She felt drained, as though all the air had been sucked out of her.

Her friend, Emily, the "successful fashion designer" gracing magazine covers? She worked at a fast food restaurant. Clara remembered all the stories Emily had told about her grueling work days.

Clara took a deep breath, the bubbles in the champagne doing nothing to soothe the emptiness within her. She felt hollow, as if a vital piece of her had been removed. She was going to have to make an excuse to leave early.