Gemotions

She avoided eye contact with anyone at the coffee shop. The job was all she’d wanted, and she knew Sarah felt the same. Waiting for the bus, she caught herself imagining Sarah's shadow moving toward her, a silent threat. She pulled her scarf tighter, a physical barrier against perceived encroachment.

The day stretched on, each passing hour a relentless drumbeat of uncertainty. She kept replaying the interview, analyzing every word she’d said. Had she given too much away? Had she revealed her weakness? She checked her phone constantly, bracing herself for bad news.

That afternoon, she saw Sarah at the grocery store. Sarah smiled, a genuine, friendly smile, but it felt hollow. She hurried down another aisle, suddenly needing to be anywhere else. She was sure Sarah was talking about her with the cashier.