Gemotions

The stale air grew heavy. Michael, normally boisterous, was now silent, slumped against the back wall, his tie loosened. Sarah watched him, a knot forming in her throat. She understood his discomfort. He was always immaculately put together, a man of precise habits. This claustrophobic, unpredictable situation must be like a personal hell.

She recalled his earlier boast about a date that evening. It was a big deal for him. Now, that was likely off the table. A sudden wave of… sadness, a kind of shared disappointment, washed over her.

“Hey,” she said softly, “Don’t worry about your date, they can’t exactly hold this against you.” Sarah found herself unable to crack a joke; the moment didn't feel right. Instead, she added, “It'll be okay.” She then reached into her bag, pulled out a pack of gum, and held it out to him. “Want some?”