Gemotions

The endless stream of emails, each a reminder of deadlines and expectations, pressed down on Chloe. She felt a profound sense of inadequacy. Her phone buzzed; a reminder of a failed sales call. She felt the tears well up.

"Hey, Chloe! Remember Camp Juniper?" The voice, vibrant and full of energy, belonged to Ben, a coworker who always seemed to radiate confidence.

Chloe froze. The question was a punch to the gut. The camp she had attended was supposed to be a place to help children. She had been the only one who didn’t make any friends there. She had cried herself to sleep every night.

She took a deep breath, fighting to control the tremble in her voice. “Maybe,” she said, unable to meet his gaze. He looked confused, and then he left. The small space around her seemed to shrink.