Gemotions

The emergency lights buzzed, casting long shadows. Maria kept her hands in front of her, as if protecting herself from something. The air smelled of burnt metal, and she couldn't stop sniffing.

Across from her, Tom, her coworker, was trying to lighten the mood. But his forced joviality only made her feel worse. His smile felt fake, his jokes hollow.

She began to think about all the things she had done wrong, all the people she had hurt. She imagined the elevator falling, crushing them both. The thought of it made her stomach lurch. She stepped away from him, as if he could somehow pull her down.

She began to mumble to herself, her eyes darting from side to side. The walls, the ceiling, the floor -- they were all watching her. She was sure of it. She couldn't shake the feeling of being in danger.