Gemotions

The elevator shuddered to a halt, plunging the small space into an unsettling quiet. John and Ashley exchanged uneasy glances. The initial amusement quickly morphed into something else entirely. John felt it first, a creeping unease.

“Well,” John began, trying for a jovial tone he did not feel, “This is… not ideal.” His voice cracked. He sounded utterly unlike himself. Ashley's initial calm seemed to evaporate.

Her usual composed demeanor was replaced by a restless energy. She began to tap her fingernails against the metal walls, a rhythmic drumming that grated on John’s nerves. He found himself unable to concentrate, his thoughts darting from one subject to another.

He tried to distract himself, focusing on the smell of air freshener. He found himself staring at the light panel, as if staring at it would somehow help. He wished he could think clearly. The confusion clouded his mind.