Gemotions

The world outside the elevator seemed to melt away as the doors jammed. Michael, usually a whirlwind of nervous energy, found himself surprisingly still. He propped himself against the wall, eyes scanning the limited space.

He noticed the chipped paint, the worn buttons, the faint smell of cleaning solution. Details that usually escaped him. It was a new perspective, and the enforced stillness felt…good.

“Stuck, huh?” said Sarah, her voice a little tight. Michael merely gave a small nod, a half-smile playing on his lips. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that usually conveyed frustration. This time, it was simply an acknowledgement of the situation.

He began to count the rivets on the elevator’s paneling, a small, inconsequential task that occupied his mind. The gentle clicking sound of his own counting filled the space, and he felt his heartbeat slow.