Gemotions

Liam was perched on the edge of the park fountain, watching the water cascade. The rhythmic splash did nothing to soothe the tightness in his throat. He felt leaden, the weight of the day pressing down on him. A notification buzzed in his pocket. He sighed, knowing what it was before he even looked. Another email from work. Another reminder of the project he was struggling with. He pulled out his phone, and the screen illuminated, showing a friend request. It was from Sarah Jenkins, a name that conjured a familiar, unwelcome feeling.

Sarah. She’d always been the best at everything, at least in Liam's memory. He’d been the clumsy kid, always tripping, always the last to be picked. She had always made him feel like he was made of something inferior. Liam, with an almost defiant click, opened the request. Why now? He wasn't sure he could handle this. The fountain’s spray misted his face, but he didn't feel refreshed.

He took a deep breath, and tossed his phone back into his pocket. He got up and started to walk, but without any sense of destination or purpose.