Gemotions

The email arrived, a digital slap in the face. Both Sarah and I had submitted applications for the Head Librarian position. Now, this… a cheery notification of a date for interviews. My stomach clenched. I reread the subject line: “Interview Invitation: Sarah Miller.” A bitter taste coated my tongue.

I crumpled the email, the paper crinkling harshly in my grip. I shoved it into the overflowing waste bin beneath my desk, a violent action that barely soothed the sudden, unwanted tremor in my hand. Why her? We’d been neck and neck in library school. She was always so… agreeable.

The afternoon sun blazed through the office window, highlighting dust motes dancing in the air. I imagined her, probably already preparing. Probably already sketching out some brilliant, crowd-pleasing vision for the library. I leaned back in my chair, the plastic squeaking in protest, and crossed my arms. It wouldn't happen, I thought.