Gemotions

The interview panel was assembled: three austere faces, a sterile office, the air thick with potential. He’d rehearsed every answer, every gesture. Then, she walked in, and everything shifted.

Her smile, usually bright, seemed fragile. Her fingers fiddled with the strap of her bag. He could feel his own pulse quicken. He knew he should be focused, but he found himself watching her, wanting to smooth away the worry etched on her face.

He stumbled through his own answers. He couldn't help comparing himself to her, imagining her, brilliant and capable, dazzling them. He hated this feeling, this sudden, overwhelming sense of… something.

He barely heard the final questions. All he could see was her, sitting across from him, looking utterly and completely… captivating.