Gemotions

The sterile waiting room felt suffocating. The air conditioning hummed a monotonous tune that grated on David's nerves. He could feel his heart hammering against his ribs. He felt a frantic need to pace, to move, to do *something*. Across the room, Michael, also waiting for his interview, casually flipped through a magazine.

He’d spent the last three months living on instant noodles and borrowed money. He couldn’t afford another month like this. He couldn't bear to face his family again, empty-handed. His family relied on him.

He cleared his throat. He forced himself to sit still, to appear calm. He gripped the arms of the chair, his knuckles white.