Gemotions

He found himself pacing his apartment, the worn rug under his feet a familiar comfort, but offering little solace. The email, still unopened in his inbox, was a black hole, threatening to swallow him whole. This promotion meant everything. He needed it to validate years of hard work, to prove his worth. He felt the phantom pressure of his boss's judging eyes.

He replayed the interview in his head, dissecting every answer, every inflection. Had he been too eager? Not eager enough? He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it standing on end. The feeling in his chest was like a lead weight. He just wanted it to be over.

He opened the email.