Gemotions

The tiny space felt suffocating. The air grew heavy, thick with the scent of recycled air and mild panic. Michael stared at the stagnant lights and knew the usual knot in his stomach was starting to form. Across from him, Carol, his coworker, was humming softly, almost as if the scenario was of no consequence. He couldn’t quite understand it.

He realized he was breathing more easily, the tension that usually gripped his shoulders starting to dissipate. He focused on Carol, on her resilience. He usually found her cheerful personality grating, but here, in this confined space, her calm seemed… contagious.

“So, what’s your favorite movie?” she asked, breaking the silence. A smile, almost involuntary, tugged at his lips. The weight of his responsibilities, of his worries, seemed to diminish. He felt a sense of appreciation for Carol, for her ability to find light in even the darkest of situations.