Gemotions

The screen flashed: "Accepted." Liam cursed under his breath. He had, against his better judgment, confirmed the request from David. His hands were slick with sweat. He felt as though someone had slammed a door in his face, cutting off his air supply.

He paced his small apartment. A feeling of dread, heavy and suffocating, descended upon him. David, with his superior sneer, the mastermind behind all the torment. Liam remembered the playground, the lockers, the endless feeling of being watched, judged, diminished.

He grabbed a bottle of water and took a long, unsteady swig. He was a grown man now, successful, respected. He should be immune to this. But the old, vulnerable boy inside him was still screaming. He didn't know what David wanted.