Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked cookies did nothing to lift the fog that had settled over Ben. The office felt like a cage, and the walls were closing in. He felt a deep, abiding weariness.

The interview was scheduled for later this week. The thought of it made his heart pound irregularly. He watched, almost detached, as the news circulated that he and his rival, Jessica, were the frontrunners for the promotion.

He closed his eyes, picturing a quiet beach, the sound of the waves. He longed to escape the noise and pressure. He took another bite of the cookie, the sweetness doing little to soothe his nerves.