Gemotions

The relentless tapping of keyboards echoed in the office, each strike a tiny hammer blow against David’s skull. His focus had evaporated hours ago, leaving behind a dull ache behind his eyes and the sluggishness of an old engine. He rested his head in his hands, elbows on the desk, feeling the cool metal against his face.

“Hey, David,” Emily said. She sounded cheerful, almost too cheerful.

He raised his head slowly, and blinked at her.

"Remember Camp Skylark? We were in the same canoe group in '12." She looked at him with an expectant look.

The memory, surprisingly, surfaced: the sun on his skin, the smell of pine needles, the thrill of the rapids. His lips twitched upwards ever so slightly. "Wait, you were the one who kept dropping the paddle, weren't you?"