Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a low, irritating drone that seemed to vibrate directly in Elias's skull. He kept glancing at Sarah, his new coworker, from the corner of his eye. She was across the aisle, meticulously organizing files. He’d learned yesterday that she had gone to Camp Whispering Pines, the same place he’d spent a particularly…memorable summer.

His hands felt clammy. He tapped his pen against the desk, a nervous rhythm he couldn't control. He really didn't think he could make any eye contact with her, even though she hadn't given him any cause to believe that she remembered anything from that summer.

He swallowed hard, the dryness in his throat a persistent ache. He felt the familiar prickle of heat crawl up his neck. Why did she have to mention it? Why now? He needed to get away from her, even if he didn’t know why.

He busied himself with a spreadsheet, pretending to scrutinize the numbers. He was sure she was watching him. He could feel her gaze.