Gemotions

He’d tried everything. Yelling, banging, kicking. Nothing. Now, John slumped against the mirrored wall, the reflection mocking his predicament. The fluorescent lights flickered overhead, casting dancing shadows that seemed to amplify his rising panic. He imagined his wife at home, wondering where he was, growing worried.

He pulled his phone out again, knowing there'd be no signal. He’d already tried ten times. His fingers trembled as he scrolled through pictures of his kids. He kept seeing his son’s face. He imagined him growing up without a father.

A wave of nausea washed over him. He clenched his jaw, swallowing hard. The metallic tang of fear coated his tongue. He pressed his back to the cold wall, trying to ground himself, to find some semblance of calm.