Gemotions

The cafeteria buzzed around him, a meaningless cacophony. Ethan felt a hot flush creep up his neck, a furious tide. He'd been celebrating with his friends, regaling them with tales of his future, his grand plans. Now, a pit had opened in his stomach, a bottomless void of frustration.

He shoveled a forkful of mashed potatoes into his mouth, but the food tasted like ash. He slammed his fork down. The sudden sound startled a nearby student. He didn't care. He pushed back his chair, the screech echoing in the sudden silence. He needed to get away, to be alone.