Gemotions

The elevator doors closed, trapping Ben in a metal box of his own making. The air conditioning hummed, a constant, irritating reminder of the silence. He was presenting his proposal today, head to head with Lisa, and the thought made his teeth ache.

His stomach lurched. He ran a hand through his hair, already slick with nervous perspiration. He had memorized the data, practiced his delivery, but the moment he thought about facing the committee, his mind went blank. The elevator lurched to a halt. The doors opened.

He stepped out, legs feeling like lead. He had a brief, terrifying glimpse of Lisa standing near the entrance to the conference room, effortlessly chatting with the CEO.