Gemotions

The coffee machine sputtered and coughed, spewing lukewarm brown water into the pot. Liam groaned, staring at the pathetic offering. He hadn't slept well and the day was already off to a terrible start.

Across the break room, Chloe was meticulously organizing the tea bags. He usually found her fastidiousness irritating, but today it somehow didn’t bother him. He sensed a weariness in her that he recognized.

He remembered the endless hours of chores at Camp Hemlock. The frustration of being so far away from home and family.

He walked over to the counter. “Coffee’s a disaster, isn't it?” he said, making small talk.

Chloe nodded, her movements deliberate.

"Camp Hemlock," he asked, “wasn't that your camp growing up?"

Her eyes widened slightly. “Yeah,” she said, her voice softening, "How did you know?"

"I was there too, about ten years ago,” he said. "Remember the talent show? I nearly died of stage fright."

Chloe's lips curved into a genuine smile. "I was backstage that year. My sister was the one who was performing. I remember your face."

They spent the next few minutes reminiscing, the shared experience creating a silent understanding between them.