Gemotions

"You didn't do this," Alex’s best friend, Liam, said, his voice laced with concern. Alex shook his head, but felt unable to explain. He had to keep his secret. This was something he'd chosen. He knew it was bad, and his friend couldn't know.

He had always relied on other people to keep him stable. He was always asking friends for help. He found comfort in the routine of borrowed resources, in taking what he needed.

The professor was saying something about academic dishonesty, and the potential sanctions. Alex felt a physical weakness in his legs, a chilling fear. The thought of facing the consequences alone felt unbearable.