Gemotions

The lunch meeting after the interviews was torture. She, Maria, radiated an almost unbearable positivity, recounting her answers with a cheerful confidence. He, David, remained silent, picking at his food, the tension in his jaw making it hard to chew. The air in the restaurant felt thick, suffocating.

He offered brief responses, each word measured and detached. Her bright smile felt like a weapon, and each compliment offered, a taunt. He looked away, focusing on the bustling city street outside the window. He needed to leave.

He abruptly stood up. "I'm going to step outside for a bit," he said, and walked out, leaving her mid-sentence.