Gemotions

The scent of chlorine hung in the air, a familiar backdrop to the weekly swim club meeting. David, the “renowned oceanographer,” was giving a presentation on the dangers of plastic pollution. He was gesticulating wildly, full of passion. It felt like a punch to the gut. David, who actually spent his days working as a lifeguard at a public pool. A low, unpleasant hum resonated in her ears. She focused on the ripples in the pool, the distortions of the light, anything to keep herself from screaming.