Gemotions

A bead of sweat trickled down Amelia's temple. Her fingers, usually steady typing away at her computer, drummed a restless rhythm against her thigh. She took a deep breath, trying to slow her racing heart. Three hours. It felt like an eternity.

She craned her neck, trying to see under the elevator car. The sudden stop had jostled her so badly. It felt like her insides were still shifting. Her coworker, David, was leaning against the wall, eyes closed, seemingly at peace. How did he do it?

"David," she blurted out, her voice a little shaky, "Do you think we should try… you know… forcing the doors?" She wanted to take action, to escape this metal prison. The silence was maddening. She needed to *move*.

She began to pace, the small space making the feeling worse. Each step felt like an explosion, and she worried about setting something off. Her hands wouldn't stop fidgeting.