Gemotions

The steel doors slammed shut with a clang that echoed in the confined space. Sarah’s breath hitched in her chest. She jabbed at the button panel repeatedly, her fingers clumsy and fumbling. Three hours. It felt like an eternity. Across from her, Mark calmly leaned against the back wall.

A bead of sweat trickled down her temple. The air conditioning seemed to have failed, and a clammy heat enveloped the elevator car. She tugged at the collar of her blouse, her heart thumping against her ribs like a frantic bird. “Are you sure it’s safe?” she asked, her voice cracking slightly.

Mark gave her a reassuring nod. "They'll get us out, don't fret." She didn't believe him. Each passing minute felt heavier than the last, and she imagined all the possible outcomes, the worst of which was stuck here until morning.

Her gaze kept darting towards the emergency phone, then back to the blank, unmoving floor indicator. The small space seemed to shrink with every labored breath she took. She chewed on her lip, a nervous habit she usually managed to keep in check.