Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum a discordant tune, amplifying the anxiety throbbing in David's temples. He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it even messier than usual. The promotion. It was all he could think about, the potential for a larger salary warring with the dread of more responsibility.

He chewed on the inside of his cheek, a nervous habit he’d developed in college. His stomach felt like a tightened fist. He’d seen the way Mr. Henderson, his boss, had looked at him during the last quarterly meeting. A brief flicker of something… what was it? Approval? Expectation? He couldn't quite place it.

Lunch that day consisted of a rapidly devoured sandwich, the food barely touching his tastebuds. He’d spent the entire time staring at the clock, each second stretching into an eternity. He hoped he wasn’t being too obvious with his constant checking of the time.