Gemotions

The email arrived, a concise, impersonal message. Anna read it once, twice, the words blurring. Then she looked across the kitchen at Ben, who was cheerfully making coffee. He was humming, a happy little tune.

Her stomach lurched. She felt a terrible dread. It would destroy him if he didn’t get the job.

She placed the laptop on the counter, then made a quick trip to the bathroom. Her face was pale. She splashed water on her face, trying to compose herself, to think of something to say.

When she returned, Ben turned to her, a smile on his face. "So," he asked brightly, "did you hear back yet?"

She swallowed hard, and forced a smile, knowing that her smile would never reach her eyes.