Gemotions

The cold steel of the elevator car seemed to leach the warmth from his bones. Michael leaned against the wall, eyes closed, wishing he could disappear. He’d overslept, been late to the meeting, and now this. He was always doing something wrong. His mind was in a whirlwind of self-recrimination.

He heard the faint sounds of his coworker, Emily, tapping on the door. She was probably furious. He deserved her wrath. He'd ruined everything.

"They'll get us out soon," Emily said, her voice strained. He didn't respond. He wanted to say something, anything, to make up for the trouble, but the words caught in his throat. He just closed his eyes tighter.