Gemotions

"Unbelievable," muttered Alice, her voice barely a whisper. She stared at the elevator doors, which were, of course, still closed. The silence was deafening, amplified by the persistent thrum of the emergency lights.

Her coworker, Tom, was attempting to crack jokes, which only served to make her feel the heat rising in her face. She gave him a strained smile, a grimace masquerading as amusement.

She kept tapping her foot, a repetitive rhythm that echoed in the metal box. She pictured her to-do list, the deadline looming closer with every passing minute. She crossed her arms, a defensive gesture, and turned away from Tom, staring at the floor.