Gemotions

The fluorescent lights hummed a steady tune above Eleanor's head. She leaned against the cool metal wall, a slight smile playing on her lips. Across from her, Mark was fidgeting, muttering about deadlines. She took a deep breath, the stale air not bothering her in the slightest. She glanced at her phone; no signal, of course. She’d brought a book, though. Plenty of time for a chapter or two.

"You know," she said to Mark, her voice calm, "This might actually be a welcome break."

She reached into her bag, pulled out a paperback, and began to read. The hum of the elevator, the quiet weight of the situation, the proximity to Mark... it all felt manageable, almost… comfortable.