Gemotions

The tiny space felt suffocating. John watched as Maria, his colleague, effortlessly kept a conversation going with the IT guy, who was known for his social awkwardness. It was like she could get along with anyone. John just sighed.

He’d always struggled to find the right words. Maria, on the other hand, had a natural charisma, which he was painfully aware of.

He looked down at his watch, and then back at the two of them. It felt like hours since the lights had flickered and died. He found himself picking at a loose thread on his jacket, a nervous habit he'd thought he'd broken years ago.

Their easy laughter and friendly banter grated on his nerves. He felt a burning sensation in his throat, and barely managed to murmur a response to Maria's occasional attempts to include him in the conversation.