Gemotions

The interview had gone well, or so she’d thought. Now, staring across the chipped Formica table at Sarah, who was beaming like she’d just won the lottery, a bitter taste filled Amelia's mouth. She picked at the label on her water bottle, peeling it away in strips. The office was small, stuffy, and smelled faintly of stale coffee. Sarah, with her perfectly styled hair and overly enthusiastic handshake, was practically radiating success. Amelia just felt… drained.

“They loved your presentation!” Sarah chirped, her voice a little too loud. Amelia managed a weak smile. Her throat felt tight.

“Yeah,” Amelia mumbled, her gaze fixed on the wilting plant in the corner. Why had she even bothered to wear her favorite blouse?

The silence stretched, punctuated only by Sarah’s restless fidgeting. Amelia wished she'd just stayed home.