Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the break room hummed, a relentless, irritating noise that grated on Ben’s nerves. He hadn’t touched his sandwich, the crusts already curling at the edges, mirroring the slow curl of his mood. He’d barely spoken all day, finding even the simplest social interactions a monumental burden.

Sarah, his coworker, sat across from him, sipping her tea. She had a perpetual smile, a sunny disposition that, usually, he found endearing. Today, it just felt… irritating.

She noticed his silence. “Rough day, Ben?” she asked gently, her voice soft.

He just shrugged, avoiding her gaze. The weight in his shoulders was almost unbearable.

“Remember Camp Wawona?” Sarah asked, breaking the silence. “The archery range? I could never hit the target.”

Ben's head snapped up. Wawona. It was a jolt, a jarring memory. He had blocked it out, just like everything else. He was surprised the name came up in conversation.