Gemotions

He picked at the offered slice of cake, barely able to swallow. The thought of the camping trip made his skin crawl. His friend, Ben, was happily reminiscing about the “rustic charm” of the campsite. He wanted to gag. The memory of the damp sleeping bags, the insects, the endless rain, the pervasive smell of woodsmoke – it was all a torment.

Ben was recounting the "delightful" campfire singalongs. He remembered the cold, the hunger, and the constant feeling of grime.

He forced a smile, pushing the cake around his plate. He felt a burning in his throat, and the need to get away. He had the worst headache, he declared suddenly. He had to depart early, he announced as he stood, making his departure sudden.