Gemotions

The air conditioning hummed, a monotonous drone that amplified the silence. The office felt sterile, impersonal. Outside, the city was a vibrant, chaotic mess, but inside, everything was still, perfect, almost too perfect. James leaned back in his chair, trying to decipher the hiring manager's expression. Across the table, Mark, his friend, was in his element, answering questions with confidence and charm.

James had known, of course, that Mark had applied. They’d both been struggling to find a job. He'd even helped Mark with his resume. Now, watching his friend excel, a strange sensation tightened his stomach. The space he occupied was starting to feel… wrong.

He attempted a smile, but it felt stiff, unnatural. The silence became deafening. The perfect office, like the perfect ending to a story, suddenly felt tainted.