Gemotions

He felt the knot in his chest tighten as the project manager, Mrs. Gable, reamed him out for a coding error. Leo felt an overwhelming need to retreat, to disappear. He craved the comfort of someone else’s guidance. His hands were trembling.

Suddenly, a voice, gentle yet firm, cut through his anxiety. It was Sarah, from accounting, offering him a tissue. "Long day, huh?"

He mumbled a weak agreement, wiping the sweat from his brow. He didn't want to be a bother. He was always worried about being a burden.

"I think I remember seeing you at Camp Skylark," Sarah said, a small smile playing on her lips. "I think you were in the archery class, right?" Leo's eyes widened. Camp Skylark. He thought of the archery instructor, a stern but ultimately caring woman who had taught him how to focus. He just looked at her, hoping.