Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a low thrum that seemed to vibrate in Elias’s teeth. He found himself tapping his pen against his desk, a staccato rhythm that echoed in the otherwise quiet room. Sarah, the new marketing associate, was across from him, reviewing a presentation. Her voice, a melodic alto, caught in his ears as she pointed out a minor typo. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to adjust the angle of her desk lamp, to bring the light closer.

“Camp Whispering Pines,” Sarah said, her eyes widening. “You went there too?” The words hung in the air, charged with a strange electricity. He leaned back in his chair, feeling a lightness in his chest. A memory – a forgotten scent of pine needles and campfire smoke – flickered at the edge of his awareness.

His pulse quickened. He hadn't thought about that summer in years. He cleared his throat, suddenly conscious of the rise and fall of his chest. "Yeah, I did. Counselor Mark was a legend, right?" He couldn't help the grin that tugged at his lips.