Gemotions

The flickering neon sign of the diner cast a sickly yellow glow over Emily’s face. She stared at the plate of lukewarm fries, unable to pick up a single one. The waitressing job she'd applied for, the one she needed to pay her rent, felt like a fleeting dream. Then, she learned that Chloe, her roommate, had also submitted her application.

Chloe, with her effortless charm and bubbly personality. Emily could almost hear Chloe’s infectious laughter now, imagining her already chatting up the manager. Her chest felt constricted, making it difficult to breathe. The world spun.

She pushed the fries away, her appetite gone. She just wanted to go home and hide.