Gemotions

Sarah tapped her pen repeatedly against the notepad, the rhythm a frantic counterpoint to Michael's incessant chatter. He was describing, in excruciating detail, the time he lost his compass at Camp Evergreen and had to navigate by the stars. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment.

The cramped office felt hotter than usual. Her shoulders were starting to ache.

“It was a real survival situation, you know?” he said, oblivious. She plastered on a smile, a grimace that felt stuck on her face.

“Wow,” she managed, her voice tight. She needed space, air, to get away from the story.

“Yeah, well, what about you? What camp did *you* go to?” he inquired. She stared at him for a moment and then, abruptly, stood up. “I’m going to get some water,” she said, her voice clipped.