Gemotions

The elevator doors closed, trapping Ethan in a steel box that seemed to shrink the space in his chest. Each floor offered a new layer of forced cheerfulness. He hated this building, this job, this…life.

He worked in advertising, selling happiness. He struggled with it. He watched the others in his department, their smiles bright, their ideas flowing, and felt a profound sense of isolation.

The office door opened, and he bumped into Maya. "Ethan, long time no see!" Maya said, and then she smiled. "Guess what? My sister just got engaged, and she's planning the wedding at Camp Clearwater! Remember that place?"

He shifted his weight uncomfortably. He hadn't thought about that place in a long time.