Gemotions

The office was a cacophony of keyboard clicks and ringing phones. She sat at her desk, the fluorescent lights humming overhead. The flowers arrived, a collection of delicate orchids, delivered directly to the receptionist. Her heart sank. It could have been the flowers she would have loved, sitting on her own desk. But of course it wasn't.

She watched, her jaw tight, as the other woman, Susan, walked over and collected them. She looked genuinely delighted. She looked so *effortlessly* put-together. Susan had recently taken up yoga and was, in all ways, more calm, graceful, and successful.

She found herself, almost against her will, counting the stems. A dozen. Perfect. She hated Susan.

She went back to her work, the flowers a constant, painful reminder of everything she felt she lacked.