Gemotions

The office break room felt stifling. The smell of stale coffee and microwave popcorn hung in the air like a shroud. David saw Chloe, his new colleague, sitting at a table. She was looking at him, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. Camp Greenleaf. They had attended the same camp.

His heart pounded against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat. He tried to ignore her, but her presence was a physical weight.

He quickly grabbed a cup of water, his hands trembling slightly, and retreated back to his desk. He felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. He felt as though the past was rising to the surface.

He worked in a frenzy, his fingers flying across the keyboard, trying to distract himself from her. He needed to be efficient, to make her think he was just a regular coworker.