Gemotions

The constant beeping of the traffic lights outside the window seemed to be adding to the stress of the evening. Michael stared at the words, "I live down the street," on his phone screen. He had built this whole persona online, a carefully constructed facade he'd maintained with "GamingGuruX". The idea of them meeting, of that persona being exposed as a fraud, was unbearable.

He felt like a caged animal. Every muscle in his body was tense. He kept fidgeting, changing his position, unable to find any peace. He checked the clock. It was getting late.

A knot formed in his throat, and the taste of bile rose in his mouth. He thought about turning off his phone, but he was too afraid to look away. He closed his eyes, took a shaky breath, and then peeked again at his phone.