Gemotions

"Susan has sent you a friend request." Michael stared at the notification. His mouth went dry. Susan, his cousin, who had made it her mission to turn him into the laughingstock of every family gathering. His hands clenched into fists, the knuckles white.

He felt a familiar sting behind his eyes, a sensation he hadn't experienced in years, the feeling of a suppressed sob. He felt an intense urge to run and hide. He looked around the room, as if something, somewhere, was going to attack him.

He slammed his laptop shut. He needed some air. He grabbed his coat and fled the house, heading for a long walk.