Gemotions

Liam was pacing. Back and forth, across the worn rug in his tiny living room. The news, delivered by a curt phone call, had set his teeth on edge. He flexed his hands, the muscles in his forearms bunching tight.

He kicked a discarded water bottle across the floor. The plastic skittered, a pathetic, insignificant sound. He stopped, staring out the window at the vibrant green of the park across the street. A couple strolled hand-in-hand, laughing. He clenched his jaw, his cheekbones feeling tight, strained. He needed to get out, to *do* something.

“Congratulations, Liam!” he could almost hear Sarah's voice, sickeningly cheerful.