Gemotions

He slammed the laptop shut, the sudden action startling even himself. His heart thumped against his ribs, a frantic rhythm that echoed the pounding in his head. Sunlight streamed through the blinds, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air, but the room felt suddenly dim and oppressive.

He paced the length of his living room, his steps quick and uneven. The listing for his childhood home had appeared on his feed, a relentless digital reminder of the past. The familiar address burned in his memory, a litany he recited silently. He ran a hand through his hair, mussing it further.

"No, no, not now," he muttered under his breath. The memories, unwanted and unwelcome, clawed at the edges of his mind, threatening to overwhelm him. He needed to be strong, to keep them locked away.