Gemotions

He felt his cheeks flush, a creeping warmth spreading across his face. James, a man known for his stoicism, couldn't quite mask the tremor in his hands. He clasped them together, trying to hide the tell-tale shake.

The air conditioning, usually a reliable friend, had died. Now, the stale air felt like a physical weight, suffocating. He loosened his tie, the knot suddenly feeling constricting. His colleague, Sarah, was humming a song, oblivious to the quiet panic building inside of him.

He cleared his throat, the sound a rough rasp in the stillness. “Anything… anything we can do?” he mumbled, his voice barely audible. He hated that it sounded so weak. He never wanted to appear weak.

He noticed Sarah’s eyes on him. He quickly turned away, focusing instead on the numbers flickering above the door. Each stalled second felt like an eternity. He hoped she hadn’t noticed his discomfort.