Gemotions

The lights flickered and died, leaving them in near darkness. David, a knot forming in his throat, pushed the small, portable spotlight he carried in his backpack into action, aiming it at the control panel. "Right," he muttered, trying to sound confident for Brenda, who was visibly upset. "Let's figure this out."

He knelt, peering at the panel with squinting eyes, tracing wires with a finger. He knew next to nothing about elevators, but he felt an obligation to try. He had to be the one to get them out.

Brenda began to sob softly, and he felt a jolt of determination. He had to stay calm, had to be strong, for her. He would find a way.

He started to meticulously document the panel with his phone. At least he could create a record for the professionals. He’d do whatever it took.