Gemotions

The relentless ticking of the clock seemed to mock Alex's increasingly agitated state. He found himself avoiding eye contact with everyone, his heart beating a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He felt like he was trapped in a box.

Then, he heard a familiar name mentioned. It was Sarah talking to someone about summer camp. Alex reluctantly looked up to see a photo of a lake. “Camp Willow Creek,” she was saying. Alex felt a surge of panic.

Sarah turned toward him. "Alex, did you ever go to Willow Creek? Such a blast!" she said brightly. Her words seemed to reverberate in his skull. He stared at his desk, suddenly desperate to escape.