Gemotions

The fluorescent lights in the hallway seemed to magnify the sweat beading on David’s forehead. He wiped his palms on his trousers, the gesture feeling clumsy and obvious. His friend, Chloe, was currently in the hot seat. He’d thought they were equally matched, but now, watching the other applicants, he felt like a novice, an imposter.

He caught Chloe's eye as she was led into the interview room, and she gave a small, encouraging nod. The gesture felt more like a pitying glance. He hated the way his stomach was churning, twisting into knots.

He remembered sharing his salary expectations with Chloe yesterday, certain they were reasonable, but now, he wondered if they sounded greedy, arrogant. The thought made his chest tighten.

The waiting felt interminable. He wished he'd skipped the coffee this morning; the caffeine was making him jumpy.