Gemotions

The air conditioning unit whirred, its usual drone now grating on Alex’s nerves. Across the conference table, Susan was recounting a hilarious incident involving a runaway canoe and a particularly clumsy counselor. The words were a relentless barrage, each one a sharp, stinging reminder of a past Alex had long since moved on from.

Alex’s stomach lurched. The details, the specific memories, the way Susan laughed, it all felt like an assault. He felt his pulse quicken, a frantic rhythm against his ribs.

“Camp Whispering Pines?” He managed, the question a hoarse rasp. Susan’s smile widened. It was a nightmare.