Gemotions

The salt spray stung her face as she gripped the railing of the sailboat. The ocean stretched before her, vast and unforgiving, much like the memory that gnawed at her insides. It was years ago, a childhood friendship shattered by a cruel betrayal. Sarah, her best friend, had stolen her dream, stolen her place on the sailing team.

She watched the seagulls swoop and dive, their cries echoing her inner turmoil. Today, Sarah had invited her out for a sail, the ocean waves as rhythmic as her heartbeat. The sun, a burning eye in the sky, seemed to mock her.

"Having fun, Emily?" Sarah's voice cut through the wind. Emily turned, a pleasant smile pasted on her face. "Absolutely," she said, her voice calm, carefully controlled. But as she watched Sarah, her gaze narrowed, as she subtly adjusted the sails, she knew this "fun" would have a price.