Gemotions

He leaned back in his chair, trying to create some distance between himself and the source of his mounting inner turmoil. The fluorescent lights seemed to buzz louder than usual. The ticking of the clock was like a metronome, relentlessly marking the passage of time.

"So, I…?" The voice cut through his thoughts, and he could feel his shoulders tense. He gripped the edge of the desk, knuckles white. He had just finished explaining the process, yet here they were again.

"Just… follow the steps." His voice was clipped, a tight restraint. The thought of a long vacation played in his mind.