Gemotions

The metal walls seemed to shrink, closing in on him. He picked at a loose thread on his trousers, a nervous tic. Across the small space, Olivia was humming a cheerful tune, trying to keep the mood light. He couldn’t meet her gaze.

He had promised her the afternoon off, but conveniently "forgot" when the manager asked him to stay. She was missing her daughter’s recital. He had done it because he needed the overtime bonus. It sat like a cold lump in his stomach.

He wished he could rewind time, fix his mistake. The air grew heavy, thick with the unsaid.