Gemotions

The fluorescent lights flickered, casting a sickly pallor over the cramped elevator car. Mark slumped against the wall, his shoulders heavy. He let out a long, drawn-out sigh. The air conditioning was failing, and a bead of sweat trickled down his temple. "Well, this is just great," he mumbled, his voice flat and devoid of energy. He pushed a strand of hair from his forehead, the movement slow and deliberate.

His colleague, Sarah, bounced on the balls of her feet. "Don't worry, Mark! They'll get us out soon. I'm sure it's just a little blip." He offered a weak smile, but his eyes remained downcast. All he wanted to do was close his eyes, but he knew that wouldn't help. He’d barely slept last night and the thought of waiting here for three hours made him feel physically and mentally drained.

The silence was punctuated only by the hum of the stalled elevator and Sarah's upbeat chatter about the upcoming company picnic. Every word grated on his nerves. He wished he had a bottle of water. He wished he was anywhere else.