Gemotions

Rain lashed against the office window, mirroring the grayness that had settled over Liam. He stared at his spreadsheet, the numbers blurring, each cell a tiny, empty grave. Another Friday, another mountain of tedious tasks. He rubbed his tired eyes, fighting the urge to slump further in his chair.

A cheerful voice cut through his gloom. "Liam, you wouldn't believe what I found in my attic! Old camp photos!" It was Sarah, beaming, a folder clutched in her hand. He managed a weak smile, the corners of his mouth feeling heavy.

He mumbled something noncommittal, and Sarah continued, "Camp Clearwater! Remember that place? I saw a photo of me, and it reminded me of that dreadful song we had to sing around the campfire every night…" Her voice trailed off, but Liam's attention had sharpened. Clearwater?

He took a deeper breath, his chest tightening. "Clearwater?" he echoed, his voice suddenly sounding less flat. Sarah nodded enthusiastically, oblivious to the shift in his mood. "Yeah! You wouldn't happen to have been there, would you?"

His shoulders straightened as he responded. “As a matter of fact, I did.” A small, almost involuntary smile crept across his face.