Gemotions

The fluorescent lights flickered overhead, casting a sickly yellow glow on Sarah’s face. She leaned against the cold metal wall, the faint hum of the elevator her only companion aside from Mark. Three hours. It felt like an eternity. She closed her eyes, picturing the empty apartment she’d go back to after work. No one waiting. Just the quiet.

A wave of nausea churned in her stomach. She hadn't eaten lunch. Or breakfast, for that matter. The missed meals were a familiar ache. She remembered the faces of her parents, a lifetime ago. Gone now. Just like the ambition she once held.

Mark offered her a bottle of water. "You okay?" His voice, usually boisterous, was hushed. She nodded, taking a small sip. The cool liquid did little to quell the unease. She wondered if she should call someone, anyone, to ask about how they were doing, what they were up to. But who?

The elevator gave a shudder. A cold chill snaked up her spine.