Gemotions

Sweat beaded on Liam's forehead as he fiddled with the strap of his messenger bag. He kept adjusting it, pulling it up and down, even though it was perfectly positioned. Across the waiting room, Maya was calmly flipping through a magazine. Liam felt a pressure building in his chest. The sleek, modern office was intimidating. Every cough, every rustle of paper from the other applicants seemed amplified. He hadn't slept well the night before, replaying the interview questions in his mind, and now his stomach churned with a familiar unease.

The receptionist, a woman with a perfectly coiffed bun, called out, "Liam Walker?" His name. His heart hammered against his ribs. He stood, smoothing down his already-immaculate shirt, and tried to meet Maya's gaze, but quickly glanced away. He hoped he would remember all the things he had prepared.

He swallowed hard.