Gemotions

The shared WhatsApp group, filled with job updates and interview anecdotes, had become a source of constant dread. She had muted it, but the unread messages still loomed. She knew what they were. The silence from him was deafening.

He had always been the more accomplished, the more successful. This time, however, she had been sure of her edge. The roles had reversed. She felt a burning sensation in her chest.

She went for a long walk, trying to clear her head. The beauty of the park failed to soothe her. The trees, the sunlight, the birdsong – all seemed to mock her failure. She knew he would be successful in the role, but the victory tasted sour.