Gemotions

From his desk, he watched them. Everyone. His coworkers, the managers, even the office intern. He catalogued their smiles, their frowns, their glances in his direction. Each interaction was meticulously analyzed. He felt like an actor on a stage with a critical audience.

His chair creaked, a sound that seemed amplified in the quiet office. He adjusted it, and the sound echoed, drawing everyone's gaze. He felt the blood rush to his face, convinced he had been exposed. The water cooler, now, was an enemy, with its friendly gurgle.

The interview for the promotion was just two days away. He imagined the questions, the traps. He practiced his answers in the mirror, his face a mask of false confidence. Each night, he awoke in a cold sweat.