Bounding Around the World Like a Goat

Youre galloping through the world like a wild hare
Were going to make waves, Emily, just wait and see, Charlotte declared, waving her arms animatedly from the window ledge of their student hall. Youll go into consulting, Ill tackle marketing, and before you know itwell start our own agency. The futures ours!
Emily glanced up from her notes, her long chestnut braid falling behind her as she laughed.
Char, we have exams in a week and youre already building an empire.
Cant a girl dream? Charlotte hopped down and flopped onto the sagging bed beside Emily. Seriously, Em. We arent like those silly girls in our cohort. Were cleverwere going to make it, for sure.
Emily set her pen down, studying her friend: messy hair, faded t-shirt, but with eyes shining full of hope. In that moment, she believed every word with unwavering confidence.
Well make it, definitely, she whispered in agreement…
Ten years passed in a breath…
Emily clawed her way through each year. Internships at large firms, sleepless nights pouring over reports, business English courses every morning, Mandarin lessons on weekends. Forums, conferences, networking events. She climbed her way to the top, scraping her elbows and knees, but never stopping. By thirty, Emily wore tailored wool suits, flew to meetings in Tokyo, and couldn’t recall the last time she cried from exhaustionsimply never had the time.
Charlotte met Tom in their third year. He was a car mechanic, always smelling of petrol, and looked at her like she was the only woman in existence. In their fourth year, Charlotte fell pregnant; by the fifth, she left university. The dream of a marketing agency faded somewhere between her daughters first tooth and the birth of her second child. Her empire became a three-bedroom flat in a London suburb, where she ruled over pots, tantrums, and a temperamental leaky tap.
They still met sometimes, but less and less often.
Emily would return from business trips laden with gifts: a silk scarf from Milan, a tin of rare mountain tea from Yunnan. Shed share photos from her phone of Kyoto temples and recount negotiations with Japanese partners.
They never say anything directly, you know? Its all hints, shades of meaning. I spent three months learning their etiquette just so I wouldnt mess up on the first meeting.
Charlotte would nod, tumbling the tea box in her hands silently, then sigh heavily.
Must be nice for you. Meanwhile, Mia brought home yet another bug from nursery, Tom disappears at work, and money always seems to run short
Emily never knew what to say. Between them, a wall grew: different lives, different languages, different scentsher expensive perfume against Charlottes baby powder.
On Charlottes birthday, Emily arrived straight from the airport. Navy suit, sensible heels, hair styled professionally at the lounge. She seamlessly joined the circle of friends, grinning, talking about her new project, catching admiring glances from men and respect from women.
Charlotte sat in the corner…
Her dress was oldthe same one she wore to Toms office party three years ago. Hair tied back in a simple ponytail; she hadnt even had time for the hairdryer that morningMia had been particularly fussy. She watched as Emily sparkled in the centre, everyone listening with wide-eyed awe, and something bitter, dark, and sticky crept up from inside her.
It wasnt jealousy.
It was worse.
Emily stepped into the kitchen for water and halted on the threshold. Charlotte stood at the window, gripping a wine glass, her gaze unfocused.
Char, why are you here by yourself? Emily touched Charlottes shoulder gently. Come back out; Nadias bringing out the birthday cake.
Charlotte shrugged Emilys hand off.
Go. Theyre all waiting for you.
Emily scowled, but refused to retreat. She poured herself some water, took a sip, and carefully began:
Listen, Ive been meaning to say I know you miss working, I can tell. Theres a starter position at our company, and it has great prospects. I could speak to HR for you, maybe get you an internship. Then
Charlotte slammed her glass onto the counter, sloshing wine across the surface.
An internship? For me? Seriously?
Char, I just want to help
Help? Charlotte laughed, but it was harsh and fractured. Can you even hear yourself? Lady Emily Helen gives charity to her pathetic little friend, blesses her with kindness. Thanks for that.
You misunderstood, Emily replied, trying to steady her voice. I can see youre unhappy, that you wish for something more, and I thought
Did I ever ask you? Charlotte stepped forward, and Emily unintentionally backed away. Youve changed, Em. You used to be normal; now everyones beneath you with your Tokyo and your suits.
Thats not fair.
Not fair? Charlotte snapped, her voice rising and drawing a worried glance from the lounge, which quickly retreated. Is it fair that you parade your perfect life everywhere? Every day on Instagramits you on a plane, you at a conference, your smoothie for six pounds! Do you think its pleasant to watch?
Emily felt punched by the sudden outburst…
Im sharing happiness, Char. Isnt that normal?
Happiness? Charlotte scoffed. No, youre just showing off! Flaunting your success while were supposed to be the failures. Real women have families by thirtychildren, husbands. And you? Galloping across the world like a wild hare, no husband, no kid. Empty!
That word pierced deep, finding Emilys most vulnerable spot.
I worked hard, Emily fought to keep her voice steady. Worked through nights, while you watched TV. Learned languages, while you made dinner. It was my choice, and Im allowed it.
Oh, give it a rest! You walked over everyone you could. Think I dont know how you elbowed Mary out for that job? Selfish, always thinking of yourself!
Emily stared at her old friendthe trembling lips, the flushed cheeksyears of pent-up anger finally bursting out.
And suddenly, everything was clearto the point of revulsion.
You dont hate me, Char, Emily said quietly. You hate yourself. For not daring to take chances. For giving up. Its easier to think Im the villain than admit you were too afraid.
Charlotte turned pale.
Leave!
Already done, Emily set her glass down and headed to the door. Goodbye, Charlotte. Good luck commanding your domestic empire.
Emily grabbed her bag and pushed through the entrance. Cold rain lashed her face, but she didnt even flinch as she stepped into the grey sheet.
Heels clicked against the wet pavement. Her expensive suit clung damply to her back, mascara surely smudged on her cheeksbut what did it matter now? Emily walked toward the Underground, and with every step, breathing grew easier.
It was oddshe expected pain. Expected longing for fifteen years of friendship, for the girl with blazing eyes perched on a windowsill, for shared dreams and plans. But instead of sorrow, only relief arrivedquiet and slightly shameful.
Their friendship hadnt died today. It had faded year by year, conversation by conversation. Each time Emily shared her joy, and received pursed lips in return. Each time she spoke of plans, and Charlotte rolled her eyes. Each time she tried to lift her friend from the mire, only to feel Charlotte drag her down.
Emily descended into the Underground and sat on an empty seat, ignoring the wet marks she left behind. From her handbag, she drew out her mirror, glanced at her reflectionsmudged mascara, tousled hair, red-rimmed eyes. She smirked and tucked it away.
Tomorrow, shed rise at six, style her hair, wear another suit, and head to work. Because life doesnt stop for anyone elses resentment…
A month later, Emily was called to the managing directors office. Steeling herself for anythinga fresh project, criticism, another marathon of negotiationsshe entered. Mr. James, silent, passed her a folder, and Emily scanned the opening page.
Appointment as Regional Director for Asian Markets.
Annual contract in Singapore.
Youve earned it, Emily Helen, the director leaned back. The board unanimously picked you. Youll fly out in three weeks, is that manageable?
Emily looked up and nodded.
It is.
She walked out, clutching the folder to her chest, pausing for a moment in the empty corridor. Outside, the late November sun painted gold and scarlet across the sky. Somewhere in that London suburb, Charlotte was surely stirring supper, grumbling about the unfairness of life.
Emily was packing for Singapore.
And not once, in all her years, did she regret her decision. As the English sayeveryone follows their own path.
True friendship grows when you celebrate each others successes, not begrudge them. If you let envy overshadow joy, the only thing you gain is loneliness.