Gemotions

The lunchroom buzzed with chatter. She usually enjoyed the lively atmosphere, but today it grated on her nerves. Across the table, John was reminiscing about summer camp pranks. The name of the camp, "Wildwood," hung in the air, and she found herself tense, her shoulders rising up near her ears.

He was going on about late-night raids and hiding things from the counselors. She knew that some memories were better left hidden. A cold wave rolled over her, and she suddenly felt a need to be alone, to find a place where the noise and laughter couldn't reach her.

"I need to make a phone call," she said, rising abruptly and fleeing the table. The memory felt like a cold stone in her stomach, and she knew she had to get away from the conversation and her coworker, before her unease turned into a complete shutdown.