Gemotions

The coffee mug clattered against the counter as Liam nearly dropped it. A wave of nausea washed over him, turning his stomach. He backed away from the drawing board, his legs unsteady. There, amidst the crayon scribbles, was a familiar face, a whimsical creature with mismatched eyes named Zip. His niece, Chloe, had created him. His own, long-abandoned creation.

He wanted to scream, to shatter the quiet contentment of the afternoon. He pressed his palms against his ears, trying to shut out the world. The familiar sting of panic flared in his chest, a burning sensation that radiated outward, consuming him. He had to get out, he thought wildly, to escape.