Gemotions

The party was in full swing, but Ava felt a disconnect. The music pulsed, the laughter echoed, but none of it reached her. She caught glimpses of the other applicants laughing and mingling. Beside her, Ben was holding court. He looked at ease, radiating confidence. They had been close, but this job competition had pulled them apart.

She took a long swig of her drink, the cold liquid doing little to soothe the heat that had risen in her cheeks. The room seemed to spin, the lights a dizzying kaleidoscope. She excused herself, heading for the balcony, seeking the cool night air.

The city lights twinkled in the distance, but they offered no comfort.