Gemotions

His fingers were tapping a slow dirge on the desk. Arthur looked out the window, at the distant sky, and wished he could be anywhere else. The project proposal remained untouched. The sun's warmth on his face felt nice, and made the thought of working seem even less appealing. Then, Brenda, from the reception desk, arrived, her eyes twinkling. "Arthur, did you go to Camp Silver Creek?"

He gave a small shake of his head. He had barely enough energy to answer. The very thought of camp felt like an unwelcome obligation. "Possibly," he said, hoping this interaction would conclude swiftly.

"I was there the year they found that giant salamander!" she said. "The best summer ever!"

Arthur pictured the required enthusiasm. "Wonderful," he said, and hoped to be left to his thoughts.