Gemotions

"I'm happy for you, Ben." The words felt hollow as they left Chloe's mouth, the sincerity nowhere to be found. She quickly turned away, unable to meet Ben's elated gaze. The room swam around her, the celebratory cheers of her coworkers becoming a dull, incessant buzz. She made her way to the bathroom, needing a moment to collect herself.

She stared at her reflection, the mirror showing an image she barely recognized, a stranger with wide, stunned eyes. She had gambled everything on this opportunity, sacrificing weekends, relationships, and even her mental well-being. She felt a profound sense of waste, a sense of having been robbed of something she was due.

The tiles beneath her feet seemed cold and unforgiving. Her hands trembled as she splashed cold water on her face. The sting of the water felt invigorating, and she stared at herself, wondering where she had gone wrong.