Gemotions

The claustrophobia was a physical thing, squeezing the air from her lungs. Chloe felt the walls closing in, the small space becoming a suffocating prison. She hadn't been herself since the doctor's visit last week. Each inhale felt like a struggle. Her coworker, David, continued to rant about the company’s new policy.

She tugged at the collar of her shirt. The fabric felt tight, constricting. She needed to escape. She needed air. The elevator seemed to amplify the internal chaos that had been growing inside her.

She closed her eyes, trying to focus on her breathing. Deep breaths. In… out… but the panic clawed at her throat, making it difficult to find her center. Her body felt cold. Her skin was clammy. She wasn't used to this.