Gemotions

The cafeteria buzzed with the lunchtime chatter, a cacophony that failed to penetrate Ethan’s bubble of apathy. He pushed his mashed potatoes around his plate, barely touching his food. He gazed out the window, watching the distant cars move. His phone buzzed, a vibration he barely registered at first. He picked it up and saw the notification: Mrs. Rodriguez, his Spanish teacher, was now following him on TikTok. A flush of heat crept up his neck, accompanied by a sudden tightening in his chest.