Gemotions

The world outside seemed to shrink, reduced to the cold steel walls pressing in on him. He noticed the scuff marks, the graffiti, the dust motes dancing in the meager light. His breaths became shallow, rapid. He could hear his pulse drumming in his ears.

He watched her, a woman he knew only as Carol, nervously fidgeting with her phone. He wanted to say something, but the words wouldn't come. His throat had constricted, making it difficult to even swallow. He began to pace the small space.

“Just… just stay calm,” he muttered to himself, the sound barely audible. The elevator was a tomb.