Gemotions

The waiting room was a study in beige: beige walls, beige carpet, beige chairs. Amelia slumped in one of the chairs, the vinyl cold against her skin. The magazine in her lap slipped from her grasp, the glossy pages falling to the floor. She watched them with a detached indifference. She felt as if she was underwater.

The interview was in five minutes. Across the room, she saw Sarah, her best friend, who was also applying for the same position. Sarah met her eyes, gave a brief, brittle smile, and turned away.

A feeling of intense sluggishness swept over her. She wanted to close her eyes, to simply drift away. She pinched her arm. The pain was small, but it was enough to remind her of her circumstances.