Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window of the bus, mirroring the turmoil inside Mark. He'd been staring out at the grey landscape for the better part of an hour, the rhythmic whoosh of the windshield wipers the only soundtrack to his thoughts. The interview was supposed to be in an hour.

His hands fidgeted in his lap, picking at the worn fabric of his jeans. He hadn't even bothered to shave this morning, the stubble a dull reflection of his inner state. The interview attire he'd laid out the night before remained untouched on his bed.

The thought of facing the panel, of selling himself, made his stomach clench. He pictured Chloe, radiant with ambition, and a hollow ache settled within him. He felt as if he could sit here forever, watching the world blur past.