Gemotions

The elevator doors opened onto the seventh floor, and David found himself face-to-face with Emily. She was wearing a Camp Sunshine t-shirt. His stomach lurched, a sensation of pure, physical disgust, a taste like metal in his mouth.

“Hey, David!” Emily chirped, her smile broad. “Great weather, huh? Reminds me of the summers at Camp Sunshine. Anyone else go there?”

He averted his eyes, focusing on the flashing numbers above the elevator doors. The car slowly rose, the silence thick with unspoken tension. He felt a throbbing ache behind his eyes. He had to get away.

“Oh, you didn’t?” Emily continued, oblivious to his discomfort. “I spent years there. The activities, the counselors… good times, right?”

He felt his hands clench into fists. He wanted to shout. He wanted to run. He just wanted her to stop. He mumbled something unintelligible. The elevator doors opened. He bolted from the car without a word, his heart hammering against his ribs, making a quick escape to his office.