Gemotions

A tremor ran through Liam as he read the message. "Heading to the park," it said. "Hoping to see you there!" He knew the park. It was practically in his backyard. A wave of ice slithered across his stomach, and he instantly closed the chat.

He hunched over, his shoulders curving inwards. The usual evening routine of dinner, a movie, and sleep seemed suddenly impossible. He paced his apartment, the floorboards creaking under his anxious movements. Every sound from outside – a car horn, a distant laugh – made him jump.

He kept glancing at the window. He considered calling his sister, then stopped, his throat tightening. He needed to find a way to manage this without her knowing. He switched off all the lights and sat, consumed by apprehension, until the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in crimson hues.