Gemotions

The red light above the elevator doors blinked relentlessly, a mocking heartbeat in the confined space. "Don't panic, okay?" Ben said, his voice a little too loud. He avoided making eye contact with Claire. He’d seen the building's faulty wiring firsthand. He knew better.

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture he repeated whenever he felt uneasy. He had a tight feeling in his chest, a sensation of being trapped. He looked at the floor indicator; it was stuck at the 12th floor. He imagined the building's aging infrastructure.

"So," he said, attempting levity, "what do you think the chances are that we'll be rescued by a dashing firefighter?" He managed a weak chuckle. He doubted anyone would be in a rush to help them. He had a feeling about this.