Gemotions

He paced his room, the hardwood floors creaking beneath his feet. The air felt thick, charged with a strange mix of excitement and unease. Liam had noticed Ms. Rodriguez, his science teacher, had liked a comment he left on a climate change documentary’s Instagram post.

He hadn’t been expecting it. Ms. Rodriguez was always so serious, so focused on facts and data. Now he felt a subtle shift, a new awareness of himself. Did she think he was smart? Did she agree with his arguments?

He stopped pacing, running a hand through his hair. He felt exposed, like a secret part of his life was on display. The carefully constructed image he presented to the world suddenly felt fragile, vulnerable. He felt as though he was on stage and didn't know the lines.

He sighed, the weight of the realization settling on him.