Gemotions

The lights flickered and died, plunging the elevator into darkness. Jessica gasped. Across from her, Chris let out a short, startled chuckle, but she could see the strain in his eyes. She felt a tremor run through her.

She fumbled in her purse for her phone, the cold metal a small comfort in the gloom. The silence felt oppressive, amplifying every creak and groan of the machinery. She kept checking her phone, even though she knew there wouldn't be a signal.

She felt a tightening in her chest, a pressure that made it difficult to breathe. Her mind raced with dark thoughts, each one feeding the growing sense of dread. She pulled her knees to her chest, trying to make herself smaller.

"It'll be okay," Chris said. She knew he was probably just as distressed as she was. She could barely manage to nod.