Gemotions

The flickering fluorescent lights of the cafe seemed to throb in rhythm with Elias’s pulse. He stirred his coffee, watching the brown liquid swirl endlessly. Across the small table, Liam, his best friend, was practically vibrating with nervous energy. The interview was over. They had both gone for the same graphic design position at the ad agency.

Elias shoved his untouched scone across the table. He felt a leaden weight in his chest. He didn't want to talk about it.

“They really liked my portfolio, I could tell,” Liam was saying. His voice was high, almost manic. Elias just nodded, his gaze fixed on the chipped edge of the ceramic mug. He knew his own portfolio, the one he had meticulously crafted for months, was better.