Gemotions

The office holiday party loomed, and Ben found himself avoiding Jessica. She kept talking about "Camp Starbright," her childhood summer paradise. He felt a constant ache in his head, a dull throb that worsened with each mention of the camp's name.

He kept busy refilling his drink. The alcohol did little to help, but it at least numbed the incessant thoughts that kept swirling. He saw her across the room, laughing with colleagues, and he quickly looked away.

The memory of the archery incident, the accusation, the fallout, the end of their friendship, played on repeat in his mind. He should have been a better friend.