Gemotions

The cold seeping into her bones mirrored the chill that had settled in her heart. She hadn't eaten lunch. The caffeine was wearing off. The prospect of explaining her absence from the afternoon meeting to the boss made her stomach clench.

She leaned against the wall, trying to find a comfortable position, a futile exercise in this cramped metal box. Every creak and groan of the elevator’s machinery amplified her agitation. The emergency button’s blank stare mocked her.

"Well, this is just fantastic," she said flatly, her gaze fixed on the floor. Her coworker, Dave, was trying to make small talk. She shot him a withering look. Talking was not an option at the moment.