Gemotions

The polished glass table in the waiting room reflected the harsh fluorescent lights, creating a distorted image of Maya. The reflection blurred, reminding her of the way her vision would distort in the summer heat, as she ran through the neighborhood with friends. She could almost taste the ice cream they’d share.

She saw the door open, the interview had begun. I felt my hands go cold, a feeling I hadn't felt since my first school performance.

She caught a glimpse of Emily, her competitor, in the doorway. Maya’s chest tightened with a strange mixture of emotions. There was a desire to go back, to when their world was small and uncomplicated. The weight of the future felt heavy.