Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the breakroom buzzed, an irritating counterpoint to the hollow ache in Leo’s chest. He stared at the half-eaten sandwich, the bread turning stale, the filling unappetizing. Sarah, from HR, sat across from him, chatting about the office potluck. Leo barely registered her words. He felt an emptiness inside.

“Remember the time at Camp Skyview when we…” Sarah began, trailing off. Her face shifted to surprise. “Leo? Are you…okay?”

The mention of Skyview, of camp, triggered a sharp pang. Leo looked away, the room tilting slightly. He hadn't thought about that place, that time, in years. But Sarah's casual comment had unlocked a vault of forgotten images, sounds, scents. The lake, the laughter, *her* smile. He gripped the edge of the table, his knuckles white.

“Yeah, I uh… I think I’m just coming down with something,” Leo mumbled, attempting a weak grin. He needed to get out of there, away from the reminder. He stood abruptly, excusing himself with a hurried apology.