Gemotions

The elevator ride up to the office felt interminably slow. Charles pressed the button again, as if willing the doors to close faster. He wanted nothing more than to reach his desk and hunker down.

He stepped out, only to be confronted by Janet, her voice booming throughout the hallway. “Oh, hey Charles! Did you see the flyer for the company picnic? Reminds me of the good ol’ days at Camp Blue Heron. Fun times!”

Charles stopped, his face becoming a mask of impatience. "Camp Blue Heron?" he repeated, the words a forced echo. The thought of camp activities, even friendly ones, left a sour taste in his mouth.

Janet beamed. “You went, didn’t you? I bet you remember the time…” She launched into a long story, but Charles cut her off, muttering something about a meeting and hurried past, eager to reach his desk.