Gemotions

The elevator doors opened onto the lobby, the sight of the polished marble and gleaming chrome sending a shiver down Elena’s spine. A bitter twist settled in her gut as she thought about how she used to admire it all. Now, everything felt tainted.

She moved quickly through the entrance, avoiding eye contact with the receptionist, the forced cheerfulness of the greeter, the very air itself. The thought of being in that space, of spending another minute within its suffocating embrace, was repulsive.

She took a deep breath of the city air, hoping to cleanse the feeling that clung to her like a film. It didn't work.