Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the waiting room seemed to intensify, buzzing with a malignant energy. Maya felt a frantic itch behind her eyes. She’d meticulously crafted her resume, practiced her answers, and poured every ounce of her ambition into this application. Now, seeing Sarah’s name called next, her carefully constructed composure shattered. She wanted to scream. She wanted to run. Instead, she sat frozen, her breath catching in her throat, each exhale a shallow, ragged rasp. It was as if a cold hand had reached into her chest and squeezed, stealing the air.