Gemotions

Eliza sat on the curb, the takeout container clutched in her lap. The greasy paper felt alien, foreign. Her jaw ached. She'd been grinning stupidly at her friend, Mark, moments ago, before he had mentioned his occupation as a "consultant." That's what he'd always said. But now, she saw him emerge from a building clearly marked "Investments & Acquisitions," a place she knew dealt in serious money.

She felt a strange disconnect, like she was watching a movie and not living her life. Her head throbbed. This wasn't the Mark she knew, the one who'd struggled through college alongside her, splitting ramen and dreaming of simpler times. Now, he seemed… untouchable. She didn't want to eat anymore. The food in the container felt like a lead weight.