Gemotions

Rain lashed against the office window, mirroring the storm brewing inside Maya. She watched Daniel across the room, the same Daniel who’d been regaling the team with camp stories. He’d talked about archery, the lake, the silly songs. He’d made it all sound so idyllic, so perfect. A wave of nausea rolled through her.

She remembered the way she’d felt that summer: self-conscious, awkward, desperate to fit in. Daniel, the golden boy, had seemingly sailed through it all, radiating confidence. He'd never noticed her, the girl who hid in the shadows. He wouldn't remember her, wouldn't care.

The air in the office felt thick, heavy. Maya excused herself abruptly, claiming a sudden headache. In the restroom, she splashed cold water on her face, the sting a small relief against the larger, dull ache within her.