Gemotions

The emergency phone on the wall seemed to mock him, a useless piece of technology in this predicament. He focused on the patterns in the metal panels, each a tiny, repetitive element of the structure. He thought of his childhood, the simple pleasures, the carefree days. He recalled the warmth of his father’s embrace.

He glanced at Maria, his coworker, and saw a mirror of his own unease in her eyes. The silence was becoming oppressive.

He cleared his throat. "Remember that old song…" he began, his voice trailing off, unable to recall the name.

Maria looked at him, her eyes searching his. He could almost feel her reaching for his thoughts, for the emotions that seemed to swell within them both, but he couldn't put it all into words. He wanted to speak of those simpler times, but the thought remained elusive.