Gemotions

The news alert on the phone buzzed, followed by the notification. James Baker. He hadn't thought about him in years, but the name still triggered a primal response. His palms were clammy, his pulse accelerating. He felt a sudden, sharp ache in his chest.

He swiveled in his chair, staring blankly at the wall. The walls of his apartment seemed to press in on him, the shadows stretching and distorting. He felt a powerful impulse to retreat, to hide, to shut out the world.

He rose and began to pace, his steps erratic and agitated. He wanted to shout, to smash something, to break free of the invisible chains that seemed to bind him. The past loomed large, a terrifying monster ready to devour him.