Gemotions

The afternoon light streamed through the large window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Liam sat in his favorite armchair, lost in the pages of a well-loved novel. The quiet hum of the air conditioning provided a steady, background white noise. His pulse was slow and regular. He felt at ease, like he belonged there.

A friend request popped up. It was from Sarah, the girl who had spread rumors about him in high school. The venom of those whispers… it felt far away, now.

Liam set the book down, his gaze distant. He recalled the self-doubt, the social isolation. Then, slowly, he picked the book back up. He began to read again, the words drawing him in. He felt the weight of the book in his hands, comfortable and familiar. The words started to fill his mind again, and the other noise, the digital intrusion, receded.