Gemotions

The air conditioning had failed, and the temperature inside the elevator was rising. I felt my own skin begin to prickle with sweat, but my attention was fixed on Maria. She was clutching her bag to her chest like a shield. I remembered she'd confided in me about her fear of enclosed spaces.

I began to hum a quiet tune, trying to inject some calm into the atmosphere. Her eyes darted around, taking in every detail of the car. I hoped she felt that she wasn’t alone.

“Can I get you some water?” I asked, opening my bag and reaching for a bottle. Her answering nod was barely perceptible, but I was glad she had taken it.