Gemotions

The lunch break turned sour when Carol began discussing Camp Crystal Lake. Michael had a sudden sinking feeling, an unsettling feeling of something lurking just beneath the surface, that slowly began to take over. He had eaten very little of his sandwich.

“Camp Crystal Lake? I went there for three summers!” Carol laughed, her eyes sparkling. “The lake, the hikes, the summer romance – what a blast!”

He forced a smile, but felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. Every memory he had of the place was tainted, shrouded in a dark, suffocating fear. The mention of it brought a specific scene, a memory he wanted to erase, into clear focus. He excused himself, citing a sudden headache.

He barely made it to the restroom before the nausea hit. He leaned over the sink, his face pale, the fluorescent lights of the bathroom seeming too bright, too harsh. He closed his eyes, his breathing shallow, trying to shake the feeling of dread that clung to him like a shroud.