Gemotions

He paced the library's hallowed halls, a shadow gliding amidst the stacks. The notification – a casual mention in a professional development email – had ignited a fire in his belly. His essay, "The Architecture of Ambition," was now fodder for future applicants. His hands, clenched into fists, felt clammy, a physical manifestation of his unease. He walked slowly, looking from person to person, judging them, trying to see if they recognized him.

He felt the familiar thrum of anxiety behind his eyes, a headache beginning to form. Each face he passed became a potential judge, each set of eyes a scrutinizing gaze. He touched the back of his neck, which was tense, his muscles knotted from stress. He would make sure they knew nothing of him.