Gemotions

"Congratulations, Sarah," the words felt thick and clumsy as they left Maya's mouth, like she had to force them out. The forced smile felt artificial, the corners of her lips trembling just a little. She watched Sarah beam, the genuine delight radiating from her, and a wave of nausea washed over her.

The air in her cubicle was suddenly too thick, each breath a struggle. She couldn't focus on the spreadsheets that littered her desk; her mind was a whirlwind of missed opportunities and strategic blunders. She replayed the interview in her head, dissecting every answer, every inflection, searching for the fatal flaw. Why hadn't she been more assertive? Why had she downplayed her marketing experience?

Her hands were shaking as she picked up the phone to call her mother. She was almost surprised to hear her own voice, and how broken it sounded. The news had left her feeling like a plant, deprived of sunlight, slowly withering.