Gemotions

The bus ride home felt agonizingly slow. The rumble of the engine, the stop-start motion, amplified her inner turmoil. She could feel the stares of the other passengers, judging her, knowing. The reality of it all was overwhelming.

She clutched her worn tote bag, its familiar weight a meager comfort. She hated feeling this vulnerable, this exposed. The city lights blurred outside the window, transforming into streaks of vibrant colour that seemed to mock her.

She got off the bus, the cool evening air stinging her cheeks. There, standing on the sidewalk, was her friend, Chloe. She had seen Chloe's reaction to getting the job.

“Hey,” Chloe said, hesitant, “you okay?” The question felt like a needle.