Gemotions

The constant ringing of the phone seemed to exacerbate the stress. The office had been swamped with calls all day, and everyone was running behind. Anna, her normally efficient self, was visibly frazzled, her hair disheveled, her eyes bloodshot.

Across the room, Ben observed her. He understood the pressure of the job, the need to always be "on." He’d seen himself in that state, many times.

He was reminded of his time at Camp High Hopes, when he'd been struggling with the pressures of his family.

As the day drew to a close, he found her slumped at her desk, rubbing her temples.

He walked over and stopped in front of her.

“Long day?” he asked, his voice soft.

She looked up, startled. “You have no idea.”

He nodded, knowing that words weren’t always needed.

“Camp High Hopes?” he asked quietly, “Ever go there?”

Her expression shifted. “I did. How did you know?”

The shared memory acted as a release, a reminder of a time when the world was simpler, when problems seemed less overwhelming. The reminder was like a soothing balm.