Gemotions

Rain smeared the bus window, blurring the city lights into hazy halos. Sarah stared out, the rhythmic swish of the wipers a dull metronome marking the passing minutes. She’d always loved the rain, but tonight, it felt like a cold embrace. The rejection email from StellarTech sat, unopened, in her inbox. Emily, her best friend, had the interview tomorrow.

Sarah absentmindedly chewed on the inside of her cheek. The metallic taste did little to ground her. She recalled the shared anticipation, the excited whispers, the friendly competition. Now, just a heavy weight settled in her stomach, a leaden feeling she couldn't quite shake.

The bus rattled to a stop. She got off, pulling her scarf tighter against the damp air. The walk home, usually invigorating, now felt like wading through molasses. The glow of her apartment building offered no solace.