Gemotions

The lights flickered and died, and the descent stopped abruptly. James felt a slow expansion in his chest, an almost physical unburdening. He hadn't realized how much he was carrying. The pressures of his marriage, the demands of his job, the constant worries that plagued his mind. All gone, at least for now.

He noticed that Clara, his coworker, was frantically pressing the call button. He remained still. He felt a deep, calming wave wash over him.

He was finally alone, at least for a while. No one would be contacting him. There would be no demands. No expectations. He felt an easing of his shoulders. He closed his eyes. He could picture all the people he felt like he had to take care of, and a wave of nothingness washed over him.

He pictured the deadlines, the projects, the people. They seemed so distant, fading into the background. He opened his eyes, a small smile forming on his lips. This was a break he did not expect, or realize that he needed.