Gemotions

"Seriously, Ben? You’re telling me he’s a… a *yoga instructor*?" Clara pinched the bridge of her nose, her fingers pressing into the skin. The cafe air, usually a comforting hum of chatter and coffee aromas, felt suddenly stifling. Across from her, Maya was practically vibrating with a mixture of amusement and incredulity.

Clara had spent the past year listening to Ben boast about his high-powered executive role, the grueling hours, the critical decisions. She had even envied his "success." Now, the thought of it made her stomach churn. The way she'd spent her limited free time listening to his tales of boardroom power plays and complex negotiations filled her with a strange, hollow ache.

She took a long, slow sip of her Earl Grey, the tea suddenly bitter. How could he?