Gemotions

The meeting was dragging on, each sentence a hammer blow to Leo's already frayed nerves. His palms were slick, and he kept adjusting the knot of his tie, a gesture he hoped no one would notice. He needed this presentation to go well. A promotion was on the line, and the pressure felt crushing.

Suddenly, Sarah, his coworker, chimed in. "Remember that time we were at Camp Clearwater? That crazy talent show?" The room went silent.

Leo’s head snapped up. Clearwater? The camp he had painstakingly tried to bury in his past? He forced a smile. "Oh, yeah. That was… memorable." His heart hammered against his ribs. The corners of his mouth felt stiff. He desperately hoped she wouldn't mention the infamous incident with the canoe.

"I can't believe we both went there," Sarah said, oblivious to his internal turmoil. "Small world!" Leo nodded, trying to appear nonchalant, as he ran his thumb across his lip.