Gemotions

He hadn't been able to eat a proper meal since the news came. The small, carefully constructed lies that he used to convince her of his confidence in her abilities now felt like a bitter aftertaste on his tongue. He had told her she was a shoe-in, that she deserved the job.

They had been inseparable since childhood, always supporting each other. Now, the shared history felt strained, tainted. He avoided her calls and texts, using work as an excuse. Every notification on his phone was a reminder of the chasm that had opened between them.

He saw her from a distance at the bus stop, waiting alone. Her shoulders were slumped, and the posture immediately told him that she knew. He turned away, unable to meet her gaze, the weight in his chest crushing his ribs.