Gemotions

The digital display above the doors flickered and died. Kevin, who’d been trying his phone, swore under his breath, then leaned against the wall, defeated. I knew he was up for a promotion, and the pressure had been mounting. He needed to be at the meeting.

He looked around, trying to find a source of air. His suit, usually impeccable, was now rumpled, his tie loosened.

"It's okay," I said, though my own anxiety was rising. "They'll get us out soon." I offered him the small bottle of hand sanitizer from my bag. His face softened, and he took it, running his hand over his face.