Gemotions

The world swam before Emily. She could barely lift her head off the pillow. Getting out of bed felt like a triumph. The thought of her lunch date with Jessica weighed heavily on her. Jessica, so vibrant and driven, always seemed to operate at a different speed. Emily was exhausted, despite having done seemingly nothing.

She met Jessica at a cafe, the bright lights and the cheerful chatter immediately causing her to retreat inward. Jessica was already deep in a story about her demanding job at a marketing firm. Her words came in a rush, detailing pitches, deadlines, and clients. Emily found herself nodding along, but her mind drifted.

She didn't feel anything for the food when it arrived, a feeling she had not been accustomed to. Jessica went on, and on. Then, a man approached, a man Emily knew, a client of Jessica's. “Jessica, great to see you! Are you free for the presentation?” he asked. Jessica seemed taken aback, but quickly recovered. She excused herself, leaving Emily staring at the scene in a daze.