Gemotions

Liam slammed the laptop shut, the metallic clang echoing in his ears. His pulse hammered against his ribs, a frantic rhythm against the quiet morning. The coffee in his mug sloshed precariously, threatening to spill over the rim. He had to breathe. In. Out.

He paced his tiny kitchen, the worn floorboards creaking under his rapid steps. His palms were slick with sweat. The article. The pictures. The memories. Everything was out there now. Every embarrassing crush, every awkward encounter, every secret he thought he'd buried long ago.

He ran a hand through his hair, the strands catching in his fingers. The air felt thick, heavy, impossible to push through. He glanced at the phone, then quickly looked away. He couldn't face any of it. Not yet. Not ever, maybe.