Gemotions

The fluorescent lights flickered erratically, casting long shadows that danced on the walls. John, usually so boisterous, was silent. I tried to imagine what he was thinking. I knew that he was prone to bouts of anxiety. "This is just… unpleasant," I said, trying to inject a note of levity into the situation, although my own stomach was doing flips.

I noticed his tie was slightly askew. I instinctively reached out and straightened it, then immediately felt a flush of embarrassment. I busied myself with straightening my own clothes, then casually leaned against the wall, putting as much space between us as possible.

"Look," I said after a moment, "I've got a couple of granola bars in my bag. Want one? We should eat something." He accepted gratefully.