Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, usually a comfort, felt cloying this morning. She forced a smile as her new coworker, Kevin, described his summer camp experiences. He was talking about the lake and the canoes. The details were enough to get her heart racing.

"We had to row to the island every day," Kevin said with a smile. It was the same island. She could still feel the chill of the lake water. She tried to appear engaged, nodding and smiling, but her smile felt strained. She felt like someone was standing behind her, watching her.

She had to escape. "Excuse me," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I need some air." She left the breakroom, the memory a heavy weight on her shoulders.