Gemotions

The digital clock in the corner of the elevator mocked him with its relentless, unforgiving progression of seconds. John took another swig from his water bottle, the cool liquid doing little to ease the prickling sensation on the back of his neck.

His colleague, Carol, was rambling on about her cat. John kept nodding, pretending to listen, his mind a million miles away, replaying the last meeting. They'd been so close to closing the deal.

He felt the muscles in his jaw tighten, his teeth clenching. He closed his eyes, took a breath, and tried to regulate his rising pulse. This was unbearable.