Gemotions

The small space felt like a coffin. David's head throbbed, his temples pounding in time with his racing heartbeat. He imagined the deadlines he was missing, the projects that were already behind schedule. This was his fault; he should have taken the stairs.

He’d tried everything to calm himself. He focused on his breathing, but it was shallow and erratic. He tried to count, but his mind kept wandering back to the locked doors and the dwindling hope of rescue. He scratched his arms, the action itself providing no relief.

He sank to the floor, defeated, his hands covering his face. The air grew heavier, and the scent of fear filled his nostrils.