Gemotions

A chill ran down his spine. He wasn't usually affected by these things, but the abrupt halt and the knowledge of being trapped stirred something in him. His normally steady hands were now fidgeting at his cuffs.

The fluorescent lights flickered, casting elongated shadows across the cramped space. He glanced at Maria, his coworker. She was chewing her lip, her eyes darting between the emergency phone and the ceiling. He felt a lump rise in his throat.

He had always been the one to stay calm, the rock. Now, he felt like he was falling apart. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, and wished he had brought water.

He opened his mouth to say something, but the words wouldn't come. He closed it again, feeling the heat creep up his neck. He tried to think of anything but the walls closing in on him.