Gemotions

A wave of heat rose from Amelia's neck, scorching its way up her cheeks. The conference room air conditioning suddenly felt inadequate. Ben, her new colleague, had just revealed his summer camp connection. It was Camp Clearwater.

Her stomach twisted, remembering the ill-advised cabin prank and the subsequent week of enforced isolation. She forced a smile, the muscles in her face strained and tight.

"Clearwater, huh?" she croaked. "Small world." The words felt stuck, a dry paste in her mouth. She immediately needed to end this conversation.

Ben chuckled. "Yeah, I was the head lifeguard. Good times!" She quickly retreated to the farthest corner of the room, ostensibly to grab some water, hoping to be left alone.