Gemotions

The stale, recirculated air was thick and heavy. A tremor ran through Deborah’s fingers. She kept squeezing and un-squeezing her fists, trying to release the tension that was building within her. Three hours. She could not believe it.

Her coworker, Robert, offered her a candy bar. She shook her head, unable to speak, the words caught in her throat. She glanced at the emergency phone, the silent black receiver a constant reminder of her helplessness.

She ran a hand through her hair, the movement jerky and agitated. She closed her eyes, fighting back the urge to scream. This was a nightmare.