Gemotions

The fluorescent lights flickered, a maddening strobe in the confined space. Liam raked a hand through his already disheveled hair, the action a familiar ritual. His jaw clenched as he repeatedly punched the call button. Nothing. Three hours. He was supposed to be at his daughter's school play, a commitment he’d promised to keep.

His colleague, Sarah, offered him a bottle of water. He took a long, desperate swig, the cold liquid doing little to soothe the knot in his stomach. The presentation he'd poured weeks into lay unfinished on his desk, the deadline looming like a hungry predator.

"Any luck?" Sarah asked, her voice calm. Liam just shook his head, the muscles in his neck taut. He pictured his boss's face, the disapproving look, the thinly veiled disappointment. He was failing. Again.