Gemotions

Each tick of the clock felt like an eternity. She kept glancing at her watch, the seconds stretching into an immeasurable expanse. Being trapped with him, with *him* – was the ultimate test. She’d spent weeks agonizing over a small, fleeting comment he’d made months ago, and now here they were.

She could feel her heart hammering against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat of dread. The thought of having to explain herself when they finally got out was daunting. The last thing she wanted was to remember the comment she made about his shoes last week.

"Well," he said, his voice carefully neutral, "I guess we're in this together."

She managed a weak smile, but inside, she was screaming.