Gemotions

He stared at his reflection in the mirrored panel, a stranger staring back. His eyes were wide, and his lips were pressed into a thin, white line. He was going to be late. The most important interview of his life, and he was stuck in a metal box.

“They’ll get us out soon,” Maya said, her voice flat. He didn’t reply. He imagined the other candidates, all polished and prepared, already charming the interviewers. He was falling behind, he knew it.

His heart thudded in his chest, a frantic drumbeat of panic. He ran a hand over his face, willing the churning in his stomach to stop. The elevator felt like a prison. His future hung in the balance.