Gemotions

The cheerful chatter in the break room felt like a relentless buzzing in Daniel's ears. He could hear Claire's voice and it was a trigger, a reminder of the long-forgotten summer of Camp Serenity. The simple sentence, "Remember the ice cream socials?" was all it took. His insides felt like they were twisting into a knot.

The cup in his hand felt heavy, even empty. He felt a sudden, desperate urge to flee. His legs felt unsteady. He had to escape, to get away from the light and air and noise.

He muttered an apology and quickly retreated to his office, shutting the door with a loud thud, the silence offering a fragile, temporary reprieve. He was left alone.