Gemotions

He had the nerve to ask me about my hobbies. My *hobbies*! As if my meticulously cultivated skills in project management and data analysis were less important than… pottery? I could practically taste the condescension in the air as he leaned back in his chair, nodding at David’s answers.

Outside, the city seemed to vibrate with a false energy, a manic buzz that grated on my nerves. I saw David, already celebrating with a celebratory slice of pizza. His smile was almost sickening. “Great interview, huh?” he’d chirped, oblivious.

I focused on the tiny imperfections in the sidewalk. Each crack, each discolored stone, was a world away from David's easy triumph. I finally managed, "Yeah, great." The words felt gritty, like sand in my mouth. I kept walking, leaving him standing there.