Gemotions

The morning sun practically vibrated off the chrome bumper as Amelia sprinted toward her car, a grin plastered across her face. She’d just aced that presentation, finally secured that promotion, and the world seemed to hum with a delightful, almost fizzy quality. Her thumbs danced across the screen, composing a celebratory text to her best friend: “Guess who’s celebrating with champagne tonight?! 🥂” She tapped send, then slammed the car door with a satisfying *thunk*.

A moment later, a terse reply popped up: “Champagne? Really? This is about the budget proposal, isn't it?” Amelia blinked, her euphoria momentarily short-circuited. She re-read the message, a slow heat creeping up her neck. It wasn't her friend's number.