Gemotions

The selection committee had announced the results. The successful candidate wasn't Maya. She knew that her friend, Ethan, had also applied. He was a great person, and Maya knew how much this particular job meant to him.

Maya spotted Ethan in the elevator, a flicker of something in his eyes. She knew. She leaned against the wall next to him.

Neither of them spoke for the entire ride, just staring straight ahead. When the doors opened, Maya took Ethan's arm. "Come on," she said softly, “let’s go get some pizza. My treat. We’ve earned it, whatever happens.” She squeezed his arm, trying to convey comfort without words.