Gemotions

The stale, recycled air in the elevator felt stifling to Jake. He started to sweat, even though the temperature seemed reasonable. The lights flickered again, and the shadows danced in the small box.

He glanced at Maria, his coworker. She was chewing her lip, her eyes darting around the small space. He had never seen her like this. She usually had a ready smile. Now, she looked as though she might be sick.

"Everything will be fine," he said, the words sounding hollow even to his own ears. He felt his own pulse quicken. He needed to get out of there. He needed air. He felt a sense of panic rising within him.