Gemotions

The city skyline blurred through the rain-streaked window. Clara watched the droplets race each other down the glass, a mindless distraction from the gnawing in her gut. She should be celebrating; the job was hers. But the joy was diluted, soured by the knowledge that her victory meant her friend, Maya, would be left behind, stuck in a rut.

The plush office, with its panoramic views, suddenly felt like an expensive prison. The silence around her felt profound. She felt frozen, as though she were encased in amber. She remembered the late nights studying for the exam, the sacrifices they had both made. A knot of guilt tightened in her stomach.

She couldn't celebrate; she didn't know how to move forward.