Gemotions

"Hey," Maya muttered, slouching onto the park bench, her voice barely audible. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows, but the warmth did little to penetrate the chill that had settled in her bones. Liam, her friend, was late, as usual.

She chewed on the inside of her cheek, a nervous habit she hadn't realized she was doing until her jaw ached. The rejection email from the law firm still stung. Liam, of course, was ecstatic, already planning how he'd spend his signing bonus.

The distant laughter of children playing on the swings grated on her ears. It was a sound she usually loved, but today it felt like a mocking echo of her own misfortune. She shoved her hands deep into her pockets, avoiding eye contact with anyone who passed.

Liam arrived, practically bouncing. He was talking about the office, his colleagues, how wonderful everything was, and Maya only offered short replies, her gaze fixed on a crack in the pavement.