Gemotions

"You ready for this?" Ben asked, slapping Ethan on the back a little too hard. Ethan jumped, a wave of nausea washing over him. The gesture, usually a friendly one, felt like a judgment. He was always trying to measure up to Ben, and this job felt like the ultimate competition.

Ben had always been the leader, the one with the ideas, the one who took charge. Ethan had always followed, happy to be in his orbit. But now, they were on equal footing, and Ethan felt a deep unease. He felt as though he was failing before the interview had even started.

He felt a sudden, urgent desire to back out, to let Ben have the job without any competition. He needed to avoid disappointing Ben at all costs. The thought of losing his approval sent a chill through him. The air in the waiting room seemed to grow thin. He swallowed hard, his throat tight.