Gemotions

The metallic tang of fear hung in the air, but for me, there was only a dull ache. The initial panic had subsided, leaving behind a profound sense of resignation. The elevator's interior mirrored the hollowness that had consumed me.

"Are you okay?" asked Robert, his voice laced with concern. I didn't respond immediately. I didn't know the answer. I didn't think I *could* be okay.

I leaned against the wall, the cold metal a small comfort against the heat that flared in my cheeks. He kept talking, but his words blended into a meaningless hum. I felt disconnected, adrift in a sea of unspoken emotions.

I wanted to explain, to tell him about the darkness that surrounded me, but the words wouldn’t come. They were trapped, much like I was.