Gemotions

The office Christmas party. What a terrible, awful, perfectly timed event. Emily had managed to steer clear of Sarah for most of the evening, but now, the inevitable moment arrived. Sarah was surrounded by a small group, laughing, gesturing animatedly.

Emily took a large gulp of wine, her cheeks flaming. Her carefully chosen outfit suddenly felt too tight, too loud. She felt exposed, vulnerable. She wanted to disappear.

She watched Sarah from across the room, smiling, nodding, congratulating. Emily caught Sarah's eye and forced a smile, which immediately felt brittle and fake. Emily excused herself and retreated to the restrooms, where she leaned against the cool tile, gasping for air.