Gemotions

The office Christmas party was a mandatory nightmare. Sam, swirling a glass of cheap wine, felt an overwhelming urge to flee. He hated forced cheerfulness, especially when fueled by alcohol.

“Oh my gosh, Sam, you were at Camp Clearwater too?” A woman from accounting approached him, her cheeks flushed. "Remember the scavenger hunt?"

Sam felt a wave of nausea. He hadn't been to that wretched place to have his childhood dragged back up in public like this. He swallowed, forcing a smile. “Vaguely,” he mumbled.

“I was on the winning team, though I have to say, it wasn’t easy,” the woman continued.

“Excellent,” Sam replied tersely, before excusing himself and moving away, towards the farthest corner of the room.