Gemotions

"They really loved you," Maya chirped, her voice thick with unearned enthusiasm. The words hit Leo like a physical blow. He'd thought, during the grueling second interview, that he’d presented his ideas with passion and clarity.

He stared at his hands, avoiding her bright, seemingly effortless smile. The air in the coffee shop, usually buzzing with pleasant chatter, felt suddenly thick and stifling.

"I just… I thought I had a good chance," he managed, his voice barely a whisper. He felt a flush creep up his neck, a telltale sign of his simmering frustration. "Apparently not."

He excused himself, leaving his half-finished latte on the table. The door slammed a little too hard behind him.