Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the café. David clenched and unclenched his fists, watching Emily across the table. Her animation was a contrast to the leaden feeling in his gut. They were both waiting to hear back about the graphic design position. She was recounting some anecdote about the interviewer, her voice light and enthusiastic. He forced a smile.

He found himself tapping his pen against the table, a nervous rhythm. He'd poured his heart and soul into his portfolio, a testament to his passion for visual storytelling. Now, he wondered if it was enough. The interview had felt… flat, compared to Emily's sunny disposition. His stomach churned.

He wanted to scream, to lash out, to do something other than wait. He wanted his life to restart, to go somewhere, anywhere. The downpour outside mimicked the storm inside him. He excused himself to the restroom, and stared at his reflection, a stranger framed by the harsh fluorescent light.