Gemotions

The drive to the beach was exhilarating. She felt a lightness in her chest, a need to burst into song. She'd been counting down the hours until her beach day with Maria.

Maria, of course, had always had the perfect job. She'd told her about her glamorous career in fashion.

When she arrived, Maria was sitting on a beach towel, looking out at the waves. She was wearing an ordinary t-shirt and shorts. A stark contrast to the usual Maria.

"Hey!" she called, her voice filled with delight. "Ready to soak up some sun?"

Maria turned, her face a mask of what seemed to be a mix of shame and relief. "Look," she said, her voice small. "About that job..."

She was a cleaner, working for a fashion designer. The sudden change inside her made the sunshine feel cold.