Gemotions

A tremor ran through Liam’s hands as he typed, the words on the screen blurring slightly. The annual review meeting had just concluded, and his manager’s feedback stung. “Needs improvement” – a phrase that echoed in his ears. He gripped the edge of his desk, knuckles white. The air felt thick, the office temperature suddenly stifling.

Sarah, his coworker, leaned across her cubicle wall. “Rough meeting, huh?” she asked, her tone gentle.

Liam gave her a short nod. He couldn't meet her eyes.

"It will all be okay," Sarah said. "It reminds me of the time the lake at Camp Birchwood flooded the mess hall and everyone had to sleep in the bunks, even us. Remember, it was insane!"

Liam froze. Camp Birchwood. He hated camp. He had a small memory of that place and it always made him squirm. “Birchwood?” he asked, his voice rough.

"Yeah. The same one! I was the one who kept trying to steal the cookies from the cafeteria," she added with a laugh. Her memory seemed to have no pain, unlike his.

He turned back to his screen, forcing himself to focus on the report.