Gemotions

The notification popped up during dinner, just as Michael was about to take a bite of his perfectly cooked salmon. The fork froze halfway to his mouth. He placed the plate down, his appetite suddenly vanishing. A vein in his forehead throbbed visibly.

His wife, Sarah, asked, "Everything alright, honey?" He waved her off, unable to speak. The request was from Kevin, the boy who used to trip him and steal his lunch money.

He pushed his chair back, the legs scraping loudly against the floor. He paced the kitchen, the linoleum cold beneath his bare feet. He needed air. He felt the tightness in his chest. He looked at the phone, then back at his salmon. The meal suddenly looked unappetizing.