Gemotions

The party throbbed with music and laughter, but Maya felt a chill that had nothing to do with the air conditioning. She excused herself, stumbling towards the back patio. The text: "I can't believe I said that. I'm such an idiot." The wrong person.

A cold wave washed over her. She knew the recipient. It was Mr. Henderson, the head of the department, the person who would be deciding her fate. The message was meant for her roommate, a confidante, a safe harbor. She could feel the blood drain from her face.

She dropped her phone on the wet patio table, where it lay gleaming in the moonlight. She closed her eyes, imagining the possibilities. A missed opportunity? Professional ruin? She pressed her hands against her temples, fighting back a wave of nausea.