Gemotions

He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture more frantic than usual. He hated this feeling, this knot that had settled in his gut since the interview. The interview… He’d prepared meticulously, rehearsing every answer, yet the memory of his shaky voice still haunted him.

His fingers drummed a nervous tattoo against the desktop. He found himself staring at the framed photo of his children, a stark reminder of the financial burden that weighed on him. This promotion wasn't just about ambition; it was about stability. About providing.

He glanced at Sarah, across the room. She was engrossed in a phone call, her voice low and confident. He knew she was just as qualified, perhaps even more so. The realization, a heavy weight, made the air in the room feel thin and hard to breathe.