Gemotions

"So, the theme's, like, a roaring twenties gala?" Maya asked, twirling a strand of her hair. Chloe, her supposed best friend, was practically bursting with excitement. Maya had planned a casual backyard barbecue.

Chloe prattled on about champagne fountains and a live jazz band. Maya, meanwhile, felt a tightness in her chest, a slow burn that settled in her gut. She forced a smile, but it felt brittle.

The day arrived, and Chloe’s Instagram was already overflowing with glamorous photos. Maya, surveying her own slightly underwhelming gathering, felt a knot tighten in her throat. The smell of charcoal and burgers did little to soothe her.

Later, scrolling through her phone, she saw Chloe, laughing, surrounded by elegantly dressed friends. Maya closed her phone, the feeling of a sour grape lodged in her mouth.