Gemotions

The overhead light in the office buzzed, a constant, irritating drone that mirrored the turmoil inside Ethan. The friend request was from Ryan, who'd tormented him on the soccer field, stealing the ball and mocking his inability to score. He rubbed his temples, trying to ward off the pressure behind his eyes. He had been staring at the same spreadsheet for over an hour, the numbers blurring.

He thought of the long bus rides home, the feeling of humiliation, the feeling of being inadequate. He imagined Ryan’s smug face, and a fresh wave of resentment rose in his gut. He slammed the laptop shut with an abrupt movement. The abruptness of the act was the only thing he could control, at that moment.