Gemotions

The air conditioning in the office seemed to be malfunctioning, making it feel stuffy and close. I avoided eye contact with Emily. She was talking excitedly about the upcoming company retreat. I could already see the lake, the kayaks, and the campfire. The images caused a shiver to run through my entire body.

"It's at Camp Greenhaven!" she chirped. My stomach lurched. Camp Greenhaven... the name itself felt like a physical weight. The joyful anticipation in Emily's voice grated on my nerves.

My palms became slick with sweat. I needed to get away, to be alone, to think. "I'm not sure I can make it," I mumbled, my voice barely audible. The idea of being around water and people felt unbearable. I had to create a reason to be elsewhere, to avoid it all.