Gemotions

The cold steel of the elevator walls pressed against Michael’s back as he sank further down. He'd started the conversation with a joke, of course, trying to lighten the mood. Now, he was regretting every syllable. He’d probably come off as the office clown, trying to be funny when he should have been… useful.

He remembered the meeting this morning, the way his boss had subtly raised an eyebrow at his suggestion. A knot formed in his throat.

"So," the woman next to him said, "Do you have any hobbies?" He forced a smile, the muscles in his face aching with the effort. He could barely remember his name, let alone a pastime.