Gemotions

The relentless beeping of the copy machine felt like a personal insult. James hated his job, the fluorescent lights, the endless meetings. Everything. He leaned back in his chair, trying to alleviate the tension building in his shoulders. It was no use. He felt trapped.

"James, did you ever go to Camp Firefly?" offered Mary, smiling, as she brought a document to the machine. She was trying to be friendly.

He looked up at Mary. He sighed heavily. He knew this would take him away from his project. "Yeah, I think so," he said, his voice laced with weariness. The thought of camp triggered a memory of a time he'd rather not revisit.

"I remember the canoeing! Wasn't it great?" Mary asked excitedly.

James didn't respond. He turned back to his computer screen. The words on the monitor swam before his eyes. He wished she would just leave him alone.