Gemotions

The notification buzzed, a chirping invitation for a coffee. “Maya just invited you to a coffee date!” it sang, brightly. Sarah scowled. She and Maya, online friends for a year, had always joked about meeting, but it had never actually *happened*. Now, this… this *guy*, Ethan, was swooping in for the prize. Sarah’s grip tightened on her phone.

Her apartment felt oppressively small. The sunlight, normally a welcome guest, seemed to highlight every speck of dust. She messaged Maya a casual “Sounds fun! Who are you meeting?” Her fingers trembled slightly as she hit send.

The response was swift: “Ethan! He’s really cool, you’d like him.” Sarah’s stomach clenched. She imagined them, laughing over lattes, comparing favorite books, a perfect pair. That was supposed to be *her* with Maya.