Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to pulse, each flicker amplifying the throbbing headache behind Ethan’s eyes. He stared at the blank screen, the cursor blinking accusingly. Writer's block was a cruel adversary, and tonight it had him pinned. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture.

“Ethan, you seem preoccupied,” said Chloe. She was leaning against the doorframe of his office. She was wearing a smile, but it did not reach her eyes.

“Just…working,” he mumbled, avoiding her gaze. He desperately wanted to be left alone.

“I was just looking at the pictures from Camp Blue Ridge and was wondering if you went there, too," she said.

Ethan felt his stomach churn. Blue Ridge. The camping trip had gone horribly wrong, with torrential rain and a complete loss of all the food. He swallowed hard.

“Maybe,” he responded, his voice barely audible. He wished she would just go.