Gemotions

The emergency lights cast long, dancing shadows. Sarah fidgeted with the hem of her dress. Across from her, Michael was unusually quiet, his eyes fixed on the elevator’s control panel. She watched him, realizing that his usual jovial persona was absent. She tried to imagine what might be going through his mind.

She recalled the first time she had ridden an elevator. She’d been so small, clinging to her mother’s hand. She remembered the thrill of the ascent, the fear, the laughter. She smiled at the memory.

She decided to break the silence. “What’s on your mind?”

Michael, startled, looked up. He hesitated, then said, "Just thinking about... how quickly things change." His voice cracked slightly.

She nodded, understanding dawning. She wished she had something to give him, some way to bridge the gap.