Gemotions

The phone felt heavy in her hand. She dialed Maya’s number, but hesitated before pressing the call button. They had both applied for the marketing position at Sterling Corp. Maya was her best friend. The thought of potentially losing to her, of seeing her friend’s triumph, weighed on her heavily.

She slumped onto the floor in the hallway, letting the phone rest on her chest. The wood felt cold against her back, mirroring the feeling inside. The sunlight streaming through the window seemed distant, unable to reach the shadows that had taken root within her.

She stared up at the ceiling, feeling a pang of… something. Was it envy? Perhaps. Resignation? Maybe. It didn't matter. She had lost. The silence of her apartment amplified the weight of that realization.

When Maya answered her call, she could only manage a whisper.