Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the blinds, casting stripes across the cluttered desk of Olivia. She felt the heavy weight in her stomach. She hadn't even been able to get her shoes on this morning. She was supposed to be working on the new client proposal, but the words swam before her eyes. The whole idea felt daunting.

Her phone buzzed. It was a group text from her team. Someone had found an old photograph from Camp Clearwater. She didn’t want to look. She’d spent so many years trying to erase the memories, the awkwardness, the feeling of not belonging.

She glanced at the photo anyway. There she was, small and unnoticed. Across the room, Daniel was humming. She'd always found his cheerfulness grating.