Gemotions

The morning news blared from the television in the common room. Michael usually paid it no mind, but today, a sudden jolt went through him. His essay, the one about his struggles with mental health, was being praised as a beacon of transparency and a voice for people in need. It was now part of a high school curriculum.

He felt a tightness in his chest. He was suddenly aware of every breath, every heartbeat. He picked up the remote, fumbling with it. He needed to turn it off, to escape the sound of his own words being used to teach.

He abruptly stood up, his chair scraping against the floor. He needed to be alone, away from the scrutiny, the judgement. He walked to the window, staring at the campus below, a sudden need to be somewhere else, anywhere else, filled him.