Gemotions

The air in the break room felt thick, heavy, as though the oxygen had been replaced with lead. The announcement hung in the air: “Jessica, congratulations!” The winner’s name had been called. Not mine. My best friend, Jessica, got the job.

I watched her face light up, a radiant joy that made my stomach churn. I felt a strange disconnection, as if I were observing the scene from a great distance. My muscles felt rigid, my limbs heavy.

I couldn’t speak, couldn’t move. I forced a smile, a grimace that felt alien on my face. The world narrowed to Jessica’s beaming face.