Maya felt leaden as she walked to meet Chloe. The thought of their usual brunch, the lively conversation, the lighthearted banter, filled her with a profound lack of enthusiasm. Each step felt like an effort, as if gravity had decided to triple in intensity overnight. She’d been trying to get up early to exercise, but the bed had held her captive, a warm, soft prison.
She arrived at the restaurant to find Chloe already there, perched on a stool, radiant. “Sorry I’m late,” Maya said, her voice flat. Chloe waved a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry! I already ordered for us. I was just telling the waiter about my new promotion.” Maya’s jaw clenched slightly. Chloe, always so effortlessly successful, had been regaling her with tales of her fast-paced, high-pressure career at an investment firm.
As they ate, Maya watched Chloe, her animated face, the way she gestured with her hands, as she recounted another tale of closing a large deal. Maya's own plate sat untouched. A feeling of unease settled within her. The waiter then came over, a young man Maya had seen before. "Is everything okay?" He asked. He seemed genuinely concerned, but then he quickly turned his attention back to Chloe, clearly recognizing her. "Didn't expect to see you here, Chloe," he said, sounding perplexed. Maya's appetite vanished completely.