Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the storm brewing inside Amelia. She had poured hours into her application, perfecting her presentation. Michael, her supposed friend, had coasted through life, relying on charm over substance. He had breezed through the interview, a cocky grin plastered across his face.

The rejection email, a cold, impersonal dismissal, arrived just as she’d predicted. She’d known, of course, but the confirmation still managed to twist her stomach. She slammed her laptop shut.

She pulled out her phone, dialing his number. She let it ring a long time, enjoying the anticipation. When he answered, she spoke, her voice laced with honeyed sweetness, about the upcoming team-building retreat, a new initiative that sounded promising, and he’d better not screw it up.