Gemotions

The notification popped up during a crucial moment in the video game. Liam nearly jumped, causing his character to stumble and fall. His eyes flicked to the screen and he groaned inwardly. It was Jason, of all people. The playground menace. The guy who'd always made him feel small. A coldness settled into his stomach.

He swallowed hard, the muscles in his throat constricting. He could barely focus on the game now. Every noise in the house, the creaks of the floorboards, the hum of the refrigerator, seemed unnaturally loud. He paused the game. Should he ignore the request and pretend it didn't exist?

He shifted in his chair, feeling the sudden urge to get up and pace. He felt a prickly sensation at the back of his neck. What did Jason want? After all these years, why now? He ran a hand across his forehead, pushing his messy hair back. He looked at the request and then quickly looked away, then back again.