Gemotions

The elevator slammed to a halt between floors. The car lights flickered and died, leaving them in near-total darkness. Icy tendrils of unease snaked through my limbs.

"Don't worry, it'll be fine," Michael offered, his voice strained. I watched him check his phone, the pale light of the screen momentarily illuminating his face. It was useless.

My chest felt tight, constricted. I tried to take a deep breath, but my lungs wouldn't seem to cooperate. The silence was deafening, amplified by the unsettling darkness.