Gemotions

The silence felt deafening. John sat on the floor, legs drawn up to his chest, in a self-protective posture. The fluorescent lights flickered erratically, casting long, dancing shadows that mirrored the turmoil inside him. He was supposed to have finished the report. He had failed.

His coworker, Lisa, had offered him water, but he’d shaken his head, unable to meet her gaze. He had let her down. He had been entrusted with so much and he had failed.

He finally spoke, his voice cracking. "I hope this isn't…ruining your plans," he mumbled, staring at his hands.