Gemotions

The presentation was tonight, and her throat felt tight. She'd rehearsed a thousand times, but the words felt clumsy, the information a jumbled mess. She chewed on her lip, a nervous habit she knew she needed to break.

"Wow, you look like you're carrying the weight of the world," John said, walking by her desk.

She forced a chuckle. "Just… preparing."

John leaned in, pointing to a photograph of a smiling girl wearing a goofy hat, tacked to her corkboard. "Camp Whispering Pines? That's you, right?"

She nodded, surprised. "How did you..."

"I was there too! Remember the talent show?" He grinned. "I still have nightmares about my magic act."

The tightness in her chest finally began to abate.