Gemotions

The air conditioning in the coffee shop was failing. Beads of sweat trickled down Maya's forehead as she watched Ben, her supposed best friend, drone on about his position as a "financial advisor." The words felt empty, meaningless.

She had seen him. The truth was right there, clear as day. She remembered the way he'd always looked down on her, the way he'd tried to impress her, his boasts. She was furious.

She gripped her coffee cup so hard the porcelain bit into her palm. She envisioned him, squirming under the weight of his own deception. She wanted to cause him pain.

The barista called out her order. She had asked for a cold brew, but she felt a sudden burning need for something hot, bitter, something to match the churning in her stomach.