Gemotions

The fluorescent lights in the breakroom seemed to pulse, matching the erratic beat of Clara's heart. She felt as though she were living in a dream, or perhaps a nightmare.

"Camp Starlight was my childhood," stated her coworker, Ben, as he poured himself a coffee.

Clara’s world tilted. Starlight. The very name was a cruel joke. It should have signified happiness, hope, love. Now it was just a symbol of the profound loss she’d endured.

“Oh,” she mumbled, unable to look him in the eye.

Ben went on to describe his time at the camp with great joy. The room began to shrink as if the walls were coming together. Each word was another blow to the raw wound within her.