Gemotions

The office felt cold, despite the thermostat. Liam hunched over his computer, trying to ignore the persistent tremor in his hands. He'd just sent a draft of a report to his supervisor, and the familiar wave of worry had crashed over him. He was sure it was riddled with errors. He could already see his boss's disapproving expression.

"Camp Whispering Pines," Sarah said from across the aisle. "That was the best summer ever!"

Liam froze. He suddenly felt exposed. Whispering Pines was a place of painful memories.

"You were there too?" he asked, his voice flat. He had always struggled to compete. He remembered the humiliation of losing the swimming competition.

"Totally! I loved all the activities. Remember the talent show?" she asked excitedly. He remembered his terrible magic act. Sarah was now sharing how she had won a race. He felt a familiar sense of deflation. He looked at his hands, finding them suddenly difficult to control.