Gemotions

He’d asked the question, and now it was out there. The realization hit Charles like a physical blow. He fumbled with his stapler, dropping it with a loud clatter that echoed in the quiet breakroom. He scrambled to pick it up, his face burning. Across the table, Sarah, his new coworker, was smiling, her eyes crinkling at the corners. He remembered those eyes, that smile. "Did you ever do arts and crafts at Camp Sunshine?" she asked.

His stomach lurched. He felt his hands tremble as he attempted to collect himself. He mumbled something about needing to get back to work, avoiding her gaze. His heart hammered against his ribs like a trapped bird. He needed to get away, disappear.