Gemotions

The office felt too small, the air thick with unspoken expectations. He needed to be perfect, even though he knew he was far from it. He kept adjusting the knot of his tie, a nervous habit that had intensified recently. A headache hammered at his temples.

"Right, let's start with the CRM," he said, his voice sounding flat and distant, even to himself. He gestured towards the screen, the cursor a blinking sentinel. His jaw muscles clenched, creating a visible twitch in his cheek. He had to stay calm. He had to be professional.

The new hire, eager and efficient, absorbed everything like a sponge. Each click of the mouse, each question, felt like a subtle act of dissection. His breath caught in his throat. He felt exposed, vulnerable, and profoundly… tired.