Gemotions

A chill snaked up Leo's spine as he watched Amelia leave the interview room. He'd been next, and the thought that she'd been in there longer than expected settled in his gut like a stone. He fiddled with the strap of his messenger bag, the leather suddenly feeling rough against his fingers. Her smile, as she offered a casual wave, seemed…off. Too bright, perhaps? Or maybe it was just the fluorescent lights in the hallway.

He glanced at the closed door, the nameplate of the hiring manager gleaming under the light. His palms began to sweat. He'd prepped for weeks, meticulously researching the company, crafting the perfect answers. He’d even bought a new tie. Now, doubt started to creep in, whispering insidious possibilities.

When his name was finally called, the air in the room felt thick, heavy with unspoken things. He couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right, that the deck had been subtly stacked.