Gemotions

A tremor ran through Leo's jaw as he scanned the article. His diary, his words, the vulnerability he'd poured onto those pages – now broadcast for everyone to see. He had deleted the account years ago. Somehow, the words still existed. A knot tightened in his stomach. He wasn’t going to beg for it to be taken down.

He clicked on the article. They thought they knew him now? Thought they could judge him? Let them. He leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking in protest. He would not give them the satisfaction of showing any weakness.

He picked up a pen and started tapping it against his teeth, a rhythm that picked up speed as he read. The online comments were predictable, full of laughter and snide remarks. He refused to look at them directly, staring instead at the ceiling, feeling a simmering heat building in his chest. A smile flickered across his lips. They'd never understand.