Gemotions

The cheerful chime of the microwave seemed to amplify the tension. Mary was recounting a story about a scavenger hunt. The details, the places, the people, all brought a wave of dread. Her stomach churned.

She couldn’t meet her colleague's gaze, avoiding eye contact with any in the room. She felt a sudden urge to flee, to be anywhere but there. She fumbled with the clasp of her bag, her fingers clumsy and unresponsive.

She mumbled a hurried excuse, grabbing her lunch and heading for the door. She wanted to be miles away, safe and alone, where the memories couldn't find her.