Gemotions

The meeting dragged on, each passing moment a slow torture. Chloe couldn't shake the image of the summer camp counselor, Mr. Henderson, with his booming laugh and piercing eyes. He had been so… kind. Now, she would have to face him, knowing his son worked at the same company.

She doodled frantically in her notepad, her pen leaving dark, agitated marks. The conference room felt stifling. The air seemed to press down on her, making it difficult to breathe.

She kept checking her watch, and the time felt like it was moving backwards. The thought of any conversation, of anything at all, with Mr. Henderson, left her palms slick with sweat.