Gemotions

Rain lashed against the office window, mirroring the storm brewing inside Amelia. She stared at the spreadsheet, the numbers blurring, a useless distraction. Her stomach churned with a familiar unease. She'd been avoiding David all day, a task made surprisingly difficult in their small, open-plan office. He had an infectious laugh, one that usually brightened her mood. Today, however, it grated on her nerves.

David approached her desk, a plate of what looked like day-old cookies in hand. "Hey Amelia, these were the last of the batch. You want one?" His voice was cheerful, perhaps overly so. Amelia forced a smile. "No thanks, I'm trying to cut back." She hoped he wouldn’t linger.

Then, David tilted his head, his brow furrowing slightly. "Wait... is that a camp Pine Ridge t-shirt? I swear I have one of those at home! Did you go there too?" The easy familiarity in his voice was a stab to the heart. Suddenly, the cookies seemed to be judging her.