Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the cafe, mirroring the storm brewing inside Amelia. Across from her, Liam, grinning like a fool, described his ‘recent promotion’ at the prestigious law firm. He was recounting details of complex cases and influential clients, his words polished and confident. Amelia fiddled with her coffee cup, the ceramic strangely cold against her fingers. Her own job at the library felt suddenly insignificant, the dusty tomes and quiet patrons a world away from Liam's exciting narrative.

She forced a smile, murmuring appropriate words of congratulations, but her throat felt constricted. Each boastful pronouncement from Liam was like a tiny pinprick, each one deflating her sense of accomplishment. The clinking of his expensive watch against the table, the expensive suit he wore, the confident way he was ordering another expensive coffee - all were amplified in her mind, a symphony of perceived superiority.

“So, what's new with you?” Liam asked, his smile faltering. Amelia nearly choked on a swallow of water, the liquid hitting her windpipe.

“Oh, you know,” she finally croaked, pushing her cup away. "The usual. Books."