Gemotions

“The ropes course? I loved that!” Emily chirped, her eyes sparkling. Across the cubicle wall, Jason’s breath hitched. He felt an intense unease wash over him. His hands fumbled with a pen, the plastic slick with a sudden sweat. He couldn't meet her gaze.

The memory of the high ropes, the swaying platforms, the dizzying heights, and the incident that followed, clawed at his mind. His face flushed. He desperately wanted to end the conversation, to retreat to a place of safety.

“Yeah, it was… challenging,” he finally managed, his voice barely a whisper. He willed the clock to move faster, willing the day to end. The vibrant colors of his workplace now seemed muted, the energy around him stifling.