Gemotions

The constant chatter of the office felt like a swarm of angry bees buzzing around Maya’s head. She fiddled with a pen, the metallic click driving her to distraction. Then, the name.

"Camp Timberline! Those were the days!" Her colleague, Kevin, was reminiscing, his voice loud, upbeat.

Maya’s breath caught in her throat. She clenched the pen so hard, she thought it would break. Images, unwanted and unwelcome, flooded her mind.

She closed her eyes, trying to block it out. The air seemed to thicken, making it difficult to breathe. She wished she could disappear.

"Timberline?" she said, her voice a mere puff of air. The weight of the world had fallen on her shoulders.