Gemotions

The ringing in Liam’s ears was a constant companion these days. It had started the day after he and Ben had discussed the school play – specifically, their roles. Ben remembered Liam being the star, a captivating Romeo. Liam remembered being relegated to a supporting role, a frustrated understudy. The argument, which had been heated, had ended with Liam going home and a simmering tension between them.

He slammed the file cabinet shut, the metal shrieking in protest. The sound was too loud. His hands were shaking; he hated that. He felt his pulse hammering in his temples. He needed to be alone.

"I should go." Liam mumbled.

"You should, you look exhausted." Ben said, his tone softening a little.

Liam couldn't look him in the eye. He just wanted to get out of the library, away from Ben, away from the conflicting memories. He felt a potent, suffocating ache in his chest, making it hard to breathe. "Yeah, I'll see you later."