Gemotions

The emergency lights cast long, dancing shadows across the cramped metal box. Liam ran a hand through his already dishevelled hair. He’d just finished pitching a brilliant idea to management. Now, he was stuck in a metal cage with Sarah, the new intern, who he’d been trying to impress.

He’d tripped, just as she’d complimented his shoes, sending him sprawling. His face was hot, his ears ringing. He tried to compose himself, but the silence, broken only by the whirring of the unresponsive machinery, was a constant reminder of his clumsiness.

"So," Sarah began, her voice tight, "that was... unexpected." He knew he looked awful, a sweaty mess. He stared at his feet. The elevator seemed smaller now, the walls closing in.