Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a relentless drone that amplified the throbbing behind Amelia’s eyes. She slumped in her chair, the ergonomic design failing to offer any comfort. Each email, each phone call, felt like another weight added to the pile already pressing down on her. Just the thought of her inbox filled her with a profound weariness.

“Hey, Amelia, you going to the company picnic this weekend?” Mark asked, leaning against the doorway. His usual upbeat energy felt grating. She managed a weak nod, avoiding his gaze.

"Camp Clearwater, right?" Mark continued, oblivious. "I'm going to bring my kids, they'll love it." Amelia slowly looked up, she really didn't have the energy to deal with small talk, especially when she was trying to get through her emails. She felt her face go blank. "Wait… Camp Clearwater? The one near Lake Serenity?"

She blinked, memory stirring. The smell of pine needles, the feel of the cool lake water… It was a long time ago. "Yes," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "Did you… did you go there too?"