Gemotions

Sweat beaded on Liam's forehead as he waited. The elevator doors felt like they were deliberately slow, each second stretching into an agonizing eternity. He ran a hand through his already dishevelled hair, the movement failing to calm him. Across the lobby, Maya, his best friend, was also slumped against the wall, her usual vibrant energy replaced with a listless stillness. They hadn't spoken since the interviews. He bit the inside of his cheek, the metallic tang of blood a small distraction. The elevator finally chimed, and he stepped inside, the cramped space amplifying the pounding in his chest.