Gemotions

David fiddled with his tie, the knot tightening with each nervous twitch. The hall was filled with the rhythmic clinking of glasses and the low hum of conversation, a symphony of sounds that amplified his internal discord. He felt the familiar chill of dread creeping up his spine.

He had rehearsed his speech countless times, but the words seemed to evaporate the moment he tried to recall them. He couldn’t seem to retain anything in his mind. The feeling was like trying to scoop water with a sieve. He was afraid to fail, but he knew he would.

His reflection in the mirrored wall showed a stranger, a gaunt face with eyes that held the ghosts of failure. He turned away and stared out the window, watching the rain streak the glass.