Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a monotonous drone that amplified the tension in the room. He watched Mark, his supposed friend, schmoozing with the hiring manager. Mark, the man who knew how to turn on the charm, always.

He felt a tightness in his chest, a burning sensation that spread through him. Every forced laugh, every exaggerated gesture that Mark performed made him wince.

He excused himself, claiming a headache. He didn't want to see the inevitable, the way Mark would undoubtedly get the role.