Gemotions

Liam stared at the notification, his breath catching in his throat. Mr. Davies, his art teacher, had liked his recent post. It was just a painting, something he’d poured his emotions into after a bad day. Now, a cold dread spread through him. He deleted the post instantly, fingers fumbling over the screen.

He’d always felt a pull toward the man, a deep admiration for his talent and gentle nature, and then a creeping fear. This felt like a violation. He started skipping art class.

When he was forced to return for a critique, his face was pale. The usual vibrant colors of his paintings were replaced with muted, somber shades. Mr. Davies’s praise felt suffocating, his gaze too intense. Liam mumbled responses, desperate to escape the room.