Gemotions

The emergency lights cast long, dancing shadows, making Jessica think of the annual camping trips with her family. The flickering felt similar to the fire she and her brother would watch as children, when they would tell stories. She could almost feel the warmth radiating from the fake light.

"How much longer do you think?" David, her co-worker, asked, sounding increasingly frustrated.

Jessica didn't answer right away. Instead, she thought of the smell of pine needles, the taste of roasted marshmallows, the sound of crickets chirping. She pictured the wide expanse of the night sky, filled with countless stars. She had loved the sense of peace and belonging that came with those camping trips.

She sighed softly, a fleeting sense of joy momentarily eclipsing her present predicament.