Gemotions

The notification popped up during a particularly hectic cafe shift. Liam saw that Mr. Olsen, his photography teacher, had started following him on Facebook. Liam’s shoulders sagged, his energy gone. He just needed this shift to be over.

He dropped the rag he was using to wipe down the counter, the clatter drawing a glare from his boss. The bills, the classes, the responsibilities of taking care of his younger siblings all threatened to engulf him. He wanted to sit down, close his eyes, and disappear. But there was no time.

He felt the muscles in his neck tighten. He went back to the counter, but the feeling of being trapped was growing.