Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the empty gallery. Leo paced, his footsteps echoing in the silence. He'd been expecting a call, any call, confirming the interview. He hadn't received one. Meanwhile, his friend, Noah, had.

He stopped in front of a painting, a vibrant abstract piece that suddenly seemed chaotic and meaningless. He ran a hand across his forehead, his skin clammy. He’d poured his heart into his application, into this dream job. Now, all he felt was this dull, persistent ache.

He kicked a small pebble across the polished floor. The sound, sharp and out of place, amplified the hollowness within him.