Gemotions

The interview panel had just announced their decision. Sarah’s name. Not mine. I watched her smile, a genuine, delighted curvature of her lips as they offered her the position. My chest felt tight, as if a vise had been cranked shut around it. My mouth moved, trying to form words, but they caught somewhere in my throat. I swallowed hard, the muscles in my jaw aching.

I stared at the polished mahogany table, at the reflection of the fluorescent lights. My own face stared back, a mask of something I couldn't quite name.

"That's wonderful news, Sarah," I managed to croak out, my voice sounding distant, unfamiliar. The words felt disconnected, almost as if someone else was speaking them.

The other applicants were offering congratulations and I just stood there, swaying ever so slightly.