Gemotions

The air conditioning blasted relentlessly, a chilling reminder of the coldness he sometimes felt inside. Ben ran a hand through his hair, the dull ache in his head a constant companion. The day dragged on.

He overheard Maria talking about Camp Timberline. It was like a lightning strike. Timberline. The name, the memory, the entire sensation felt fresh and new. A strange longing washed over him.

"Oh my gosh, I was a counselor there!" Ben said, his voice unusually loud. Maria’s face lit up. He found himself talking for hours, revisiting stories and old memories. He felt lighter, as if a great weight had been lifted.