Gemotions

"So, what do you think?" The question, posed by his friend, cut right through the fog in his mind. He shrugged, avoiding the gaze. A knot twisted in his gut. The promotion – it was all he could think about.

The familiar hum of the air conditioning seemed unusually loud. He fiddled with the pen on his desk, clicking it repeatedly, the sound a staccato rhythm against the silence. It was unbearable. He stood, pacing the small confines of his cubicle. He knew his rival, Jessica, was going to give it her all.

He reached for a glass of water, his hand shaking slightly as he brought it to his lips. He needed to be strong.