Gemotions

The smooth ascent became an abrupt, jarring halt. Mark instinctively grabbed the handrail. The overhead lights went out, plunging the car into pitch black. He felt the blood rush from his head, leaving a dull ache. He knew he was starting to sweat, his shirt clinging uncomfortably to his back.

He heard his coworker, Emily, gasp beside him. He wanted to say something reassuring, but his throat felt constricted. Instead, he just stood there, frozen, his senses on high alert. He could hear the faint ticking of a clock somewhere in the distance. Time seemed to slow to a crawl.

He felt a deep and unsettling pressure in his chest, as if something heavy were sitting on it. He reached out, his hand trembling, hoping to find her.