Gemotions

The scent of chlorine hung heavy in the air. The pool party was in full swing, but Jessica was oblivious to the laughter and splashing. She stared at Mark, her childhood friend, now the celebrated author of a bestselling novel. He'd always told her he was a librarian. Now he was a literary sensation, charming the crowd with his wit and charisma.

A headache began to throb behind her eyes. Each clap, each compliment felt like a blow. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but her chest felt constricted. The casual conversations, the shared secrets, felt tainted, rendered false by the unveiling. She felt an urge to scream, to lash out, to somehow puncture the carefully crafted illusion.