Gemotions

The afternoon sun, usually a welcome visitor, now glared through the blinds, casting stripes across Ethan's face. He hunched over his computer, trying to appear engrossed in his work. Across the room, Chloe was recounting a particularly dramatic story about a runaway canoe. The story seemed to echo in his skull, the memories rising unbidden.

He felt a sudden pressure in his chest, making it hard to take deep breaths. His fingers tightened around his mouse, knuckles turning white. He longed to be anywhere else, doing anything else. The walls seemed to be closing in.

“Canoe?” he managed, his voice barely a whisper. Chloe looked up, her expression now showing a hint of confusion. "Yeah, at Camp Serenity." His heart skipped a beat.