Gemotions

The notification blinked, a cruel reminder of the past. Mark had been the king of the playground, and young Elias, always eager to please, had been one of his reluctant subjects. Now, the request sat there, a digital echo of playground taunts. Elias felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He wasn’t sure why he still lived in this apartment, but he knew he couldn’t leave.

His hand trembled as he clicked on Mark’s profile. Photos of a successful-looking man flashed across the screen: a beautiful wife, smiling children, a life that seemed effortlessly curated. Elias felt a pang of inadequacy.

He’d spent the morning cleaning the apartment, a task he hated, but one he performed dutifully to appease his landlord. He always tried to please everyone, so they'd like him. He needed them to like him. He felt as if he wouldn't survive if they didn't. The request hung in the air, a threat and a promise. He just knew he wouldn't survive if he blocked Mark.