Gemotions

"This is ridiculous," Maya muttered, pacing the cramped space. The emergency lights cast long, distorted shadows, making the already confined space feel even smaller. The announcement of a power outage had come just moments before the elevator lurched to a halt. In that short time, she had sent a string of texts to her ex, apologizing for what had happened and what she had done, realizing it had all been her fault.

Her colleague, Mark, was fiddling with his phone, trying to get a signal, but she just continued to pace, her movements erratic and restless.

She stopped abruptly, pressing her forehead against the cool metal wall. It felt good against her flushed skin. Every word that had been said between her and her ex-boyfriend echoed in her mind. Every mistake she had made felt like a fresh wound.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Mark asked, his voice softer now. She nodded, unable to speak, the words caught in her throat.