Gemotions

The elevator lurched to a stop between floors, and the internal lights went out. David felt a wave of relaxation wash over him. He was tired. Tired of his demanding boss, of his exhausting commute, and of the never-ending stream of tasks that filled his days. Now, he was still.

He watched his coworker, Emily, pacing back and forth, clearly anxious. He did not share her concerns. He felt a gentle slowing of his heartbeat, a pleasant looseness in his muscles.

He sank to the floor, leaning against the cool metal wall. The silence was a welcome change from the constant noise of the office. He imagined his phone, which he knew to be brimming with messages. Those messages, and all the stress they carried, felt like a distant dream.

The air was stagnant, but he didn't care. It was the only air there was. He felt a profound sense of ease he hadn't experienced in years. The world had stopped, and he was grateful.