Gemotions

The cafeteria was loud, the smell of reheated lasagna filling the air. "I remember the food being awful," remarked Paul, "but it didn't matter, we were having so much fun!" He beamed at Olivia, who was picking at her salad with an expression of profound disinterest.

Olivia felt a knot of frustration tighten in her stomach. His nostalgia felt like an insult to her. She couldn’t relate to his memories. She tried to swallow the emotion, but it wouldn't go down.

She took a small bite of lettuce, chewing slowly. "That's nice," she said, her voice monotone. The very mention of the camp, “Silver Birch,” was making her feel slightly ill. She decided she would skip dessert.

"Remember the counselors?" Paul asked, oblivious.

Olivia sighed internally. The afternoon seemed endless.