Gemotions

The request from Jessica Harding was like a tiny explosion of negativity. Liam felt a pressure building behind his eyes. He let out a harsh, short laugh that felt brittle even to his own ears. He felt the blood pounding in his temples.

He remembered the constant barbs, the public humiliation. Jessica Harding. Her name was synonymous with pain. He felt like he was back in the schoolyard, vulnerable and exposed. He felt an urge to run, to hide.

He rubbed his eyes, trying to calm himself. The notification mocked him from the screen. He wanted to break something, to destroy it. This was an affront.