Gemotions

The harsh fluorescent lights of the coffee shop buzzed overhead. Maya stared across the table at Chloe, who had just admitted her "senior marketing executive" job was actually a cashier position. Maya's initial shock dissolved quickly, replaced by a gentle feeling.

Chloe's face was etched with shame, but Maya couldn't find it in her to react negatively. She saw the exhaustion etched in Chloe's features, a tiredness Maya recognized from her own, far less impressive, job. Maya reached across the table, covering Chloe's hand with her own.

"It doesn't matter, Chloe," she said softly, her voice barely a whisper. "What matters is that you're here. You're you."

She could see how desperately Chloe wanted acceptance. She gave Chloe a small smile.