Gemotions

The photograph stared back at Emily. A group shot, taken at last year's company retreat. Sarah, her friend, stood front and center, radiating confidence. Sarah worked as a “Senior Account Manager” at a prestigious fashion house, or so she said. But the person beside her in the photo was Emily's ex-boyfriend, who had been fired from a menial role there six months earlier. The man was grinning at Sarah.

A wave of dizziness washed over Emily. She felt a lightness in her head, as if she were floating. The air seemed thin, making it difficult to breathe. She slumped into her chair, the photograph slipping from her grasp. She felt so foolish, so manipulated, so profoundly wrong.