Gemotions

The flickering fluorescent lights of the elevator cast long, dancing shadows across Amelia's face. The air grew thick, heavy with the scent of stale coffee and fear. She kept running a hand over her cheek, a nervous tic she hadn't realized she possessed. Across from her, Mark, her coworker, leaned against the mirrored wall, his usual jovial facade gone.

"So," Mark began, his voice tight. "How's the presentation coming?" He didn't look at her, his gaze fixed on the digital floor indicator, stuck stubbornly on the number three.

Amelia swallowed hard. She'd been so preoccupied with her own ambition, she'd barely offered him any support. The presentation was his, and she'd known he was struggling. She took a deep breath. "It's…good. It's almost finished." Lies felt heavy on her tongue.

She wished she had spoken up. She should have offered to help more. His quiet sigh echoed in the small space and it felt like a heavy stone had settled in her chest.