Gemotions

The fluorescent lights in the elevator hummed, a monotonous drone that was doing nothing to help Martha's eyelids stay open. She leaned heavily against the cold metal wall, the faint vibrations of the stalled car a rhythmic lullaby. Her head bobbed, and she jerked herself awake, a small gasp escaping her lips. "This is just great," she mumbled to her coworker, David, whose normally jovial face was now etched with a similar weariness. "Three hours… are you kidding me?" She rubbed at her tired eyes, a desperate attempt to banish the blurring edges of her vision.

The air grew heavy, each breath feeling like a struggle. Martha found herself fighting to keep her head up, a dull ache throbbing behind her eyes. David offered her a bottle of water, which she gratefully accepted, the cool liquid a small, fleeting reprieve. She hoped the rescue crew would be quick, she could barely stand to be in here any longer.