Gemotions

The interview room felt smaller than it had before. Emily tugged at the hem of her blazer, then smoothed down the imaginary wrinkles on her skirt. Across the table, Liam was radiating charm, his smile genuine, his posture relaxed. He had this way of making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the world.

Her palms began to sweat as the interviewer asked about her weaknesses. Emily stammered, focusing on her shoes, and wishing she’d chosen a different tie. A blush crept up her neck as the words felt clumsy and ill-formed leaving her mouth.

The afternoon sun streamed through the window, highlighting dust motes dancing in the air. Each tick of the clock seemed to echo in her ears, magnifying the quiet. Emily felt the need to apologize for not being Liam.