Gemotions

“Are you hungry?” Jessica asked, her voice cracking slightly. She couldn't sit still. She picked at a loose thread on her sleeve. She glanced again at the control panel, though she knew it was pointless. She wanted to scream.

Her colleague, Tom, was humming tunelessly, clearly unfazed. Jessica shifted her weight from one foot to the other. She tapped her fingers on her leg, a frantic beat. She pictured herself outside, breathing fresh air, feeling the sun on her face. Her breathing quickened, a shallow, rapid rhythm.