Gemotions

Sarah kept fidgeting with the strap of her purse, a nervous habit she’d picked up in high school. The interview was in fifteen minutes, and Liam was already in the waiting room. He was leaning back in his chair, seemingly relaxed, flipping through a magazine. She, on the other hand, felt a cold knot forming in her stomach. She’d spent hours preparing, but now the words seemed to vanish from her mind.

The polished wood of the reception desk seemed to gleam mockingly. Each tick of the clock echoed loudly in the sudden quiet, amplifying the rapid thrumming in her chest. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the air felt thin and hard to pull down.

Liam finally looked up, catching her eye. He smiled, a genuine, friendly smile that felt like a punch in the gut. “Ready?” he asked, his voice smooth and confident. Sarah just managed a weak nod, her throat suddenly tight.