Gemotions

The chipped mug warmed Amelia’s hands, but the heat didn’t seep into her core. She’d been staring at the application confirmation email for an hour, the blue glow of the screen reflecting in her wide eyes. Liam, her best friend since kindergarten, had sent her the link. She remembered his grin, the one that always reached his eyes, as he'd said, "Perfect for both of us, right?" Now, the thought of his certainty twisted something inside her.

She picked at a loose thread on the sofa cushion, unraveling it slowly, meticulously. A small, dry leaf from a dead houseplant crinkled under her fingers. Liam was probably already brainstorming cover letter ideas, sketching out his future office – he always planned, strategized.

A sudden draft snaked under the door. She flinched, glancing at the window, even though it was closed. Her stomach felt hollow, like a dropped vase.