Gemotions

"So, tell me about your collaborative experiences," the interviewer began, a woman whose name I didn't bother to remember. I took a deep breath, the air thick with the scent of cheap cologne and the pressure of the situation. My friend, Emily, had talked endlessly about how to ‘present yourself’ to land this gig. I, on the other hand, was not prepared to pretend.

I let my gaze drift towards the window, where the city sprawled below. The words came, but slowly, each syllable measured. I described a project, but minimized my role, emphasizing the flaws, the failures. Emily, I knew, would spin those same imperfections into a story of growth. My gut churned with a mixture of resentment and a strange, defiant satisfaction.

Later, the polite thank you and the closing of the door. The interview was over.