Gemotions

"This is ridiculous," muttered Emily, staring at the closed elevator doors. She paced the small space, the only movement in the sterile box. Three hours trapped. She felt a burning in her chest.

She thought about her sister, and the argument from last week. She had a habit of putting her foot in her mouth, but had she gone too far this time? She was still waiting for her sister to call her back.

She ran her fingers over the smooth surface of her ring, a gift from her late grandmother. A reminder, she thought, of a gentler time. She squeezed her eyes shut, wishing she had her grandmother's wisdom.

"Everything alright?" her coworker asked, his voice soft. She shook her head, unable to speak.

The elevator remained motionless.