Gemotions

The first hour was a blur of frantic button pushing and fruitless phone calls. Then, as the reality sunk in, the world seemed to slow. Sarah sat down on the floor, legs drawn up to her chest, her arms wrapped tightly around them. The sterile air felt heavy.

“Anything?” Mark asked, his voice softer now. Sarah shook her head, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. She didn’t speak, didn’t move.

The silence was a thick, suffocating blanket. She could feel the tremors beginning, the small, internal earthquakes that always preceded the worst of it. The elevator felt like a tomb. She closed her eyes, bracing herself for the wave of despair.

Mark started talking about his weekend plans, about the concert he was going to. She wished he'd shut up. His happiness felt like an insult.