Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of Maya's tiny apartment, mirroring the mood that had settled over her. Hours she’d poured into this passion project, a children’s book about a lonely firefly. Now, facing the harsh glare of the publishing house’s rejection email, she felt utterly deflated.

She dragged herself to the coffee shop, the low hum of the rain a depressing soundtrack. The barista, a cheerful young woman with bright pink hair, greeted her. Maya barely managed a nod.

Inside, she saw him. Across the room, hunched over a laptop, was Liam, the quiet guy from her pottery class. He was showing a woman his screen. His words were hushed, but Maya could make out the title of the presentation: “The Luminescent Life of Leo.” The same premise, the same font, the same damn firefly. All the air seemed to leave her lungs.