Gemotions

The printer spat out another error message. The paper jam. Again. He swore under his breath, a low rumble of discontent that resonated in his chest. His fist slammed against the machine, a futile gesture of defiance. This was the fifth time today, and he was running out of patience. His forehead felt tight, a band of pressure.

Suddenly, a voice, a cheery one, pierced the silence. "Having a bit of trouble, huh, Tom?"

He turned to see Emily, the office newbie, grinning at him. He almost snarled. “Yeah,” he said, his voice flat. “Just peachy.”

“Is that… a Camp Sunshine water bottle?” she asked, pointing at the item on his desk. “I thought I recognized the logo.”

He glared at her. He hated that camp. He was too short to win the archery competition, and he lost his prized comic book collection to a bet. “Yeah, so?” he said, his eyes narrowing.

“I was there too! Counselor Emily, cabin four. Remember the talent show? I won!” she said, her smile widening.

He turned away. He remembered the talent show. He also remembered his terrible guitar performance. "Oh, do you," he said. The air around him felt constricted.