Gemotions

The restaurant was too loud. The clatter of cutlery, the boisterous laughter, the background music – it all felt like an assault. He could barely taste the food.

He had tried to sound excited for Sam, as he had explained how the interview had gone. He failed. The news had been like a blow to the gut. He could feel it in his stomach.

Sam was describing the next steps, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. He found himself nodding, trying to look engaged. He just wanted to go home.

"You okay, man?" Sam asked, a flicker of concern in her eyes. He couldn't answer. He just picked at the food.