Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the street. Liam avoided looking in the direction of Mrs. Rodriguez's house. He'd turned up his music, volume high, to avoid a difficult call, ignoring the shared wall. He wanted to scream. Instead, he made the noise. Now, the music’s echo felt like a taunt.

He’d seen Mrs. Rodriguez at the grocery store, her face stoic. He'd quickly averted his gaze. It was easier that way. The truth, however, clung to him, a lead weight in his gut.

He wanted to go over and apologize, to explain, but the words wouldn't come. He felt trapped in a self-made prison of his own making.