Gemotions

The constant ringing of the phone amplified the pressure, each call a new demand, a fresh problem. Daniel ran a hand through his hair, the gesture doing little to alleviate the tension building behind his eyes. He felt the familiar constriction in his chest, the feeling of being trapped.

"Daniel, you look completely fried," said Jessica. She was standing in front of his desk, a cup of coffee in her hand.

“Just a little overwhelmed,” he replied, attempting a weak smile. He wanted to scream.

"Funny, I was thinking about Camp Whispering Lake earlier. Did you ever go? That place was wild," Jessica said, her voice full of nostalgia.

Daniel felt a sharp jolt of unease. Whispering Lake. The memory of the lost competition surfaced, a physical ache.

"Yeah, I did," he mumbled, his voice tight. He turned back to his computer screen, hoping she would leave. He couldn’t bear another moment.