Gemotions

A chill zipped through Michael as he saw the notification. His heart hammered against his ribs. It was from Jake Miller. He hadn't thought of Jake in a long time, but the memory of the beatings, the taunts, the endless feeling of vulnerability, resurfaced with brutal clarity. He sank back into his chair, the comfort of the cushions suddenly insufficient.

He'd built a good life, a life where he felt safe, where he could breathe easily. Now, this one click threatened to unravel everything. He closed his eyes, imagining Jake's face, the cruel glint in his eyes. He felt a phantom pain in his side, where Jake used to kick him. He had to decide what to do.

Michael felt pinned down, like an insect under a glass. He went to the kitchen and made a cup of tea, his hands shaking so violently he almost dropped the mug. He sat at the table for over an hour, unable to drink.