The interview was a blur. Sarah felt a hollow ache in her stomach watching Liam charm the panel with his practiced anecdotes. He leaned forward, eyes sparkling, and she had to clench her jaw to stop herself from interrupting. The office, usually bright and welcoming, suddenly felt cramped and suffocating. She could barely manage a polite smile when he turned to her, asking if she’d enjoyed the experience. “Oh, absolutely,” she forced out, her voice thin and reedy, trying not to watch the way the sunlight hit the polished wood of the conference table, making him look even more impressive.
The days that followed were a torment. Every phone call, every email notification, brought a fresh wave of dread. She found herself snapping at her roommate, Michelle, over the smallest things. The way Michelle talked about her own life, so cheerfully, was suddenly unbearable.
She tried to be happy for him when he called, his voice bright with excitement. But as he described the job offer, the salary, the benefits, something tightened in her chest. She found herself excusing herself early, mumbling something about a headache, unable to bear the sound of his pure elation any longer.