Gemotions

The incessant chirping of the birds outside his window grated on Liam’s nerves. He pulled the covers over his head, trying to block out the noise, but the sounds, like his own thoughts, found a way to penetrate. The walls felt like they were closing in.

He’d spent the morning cleaning his old bedroom, a futile exercise in trying to regain some semblance of control. Every item, every photograph, was a reminder of a past that now felt like a burden. The thought of facing another day, another round of questions and well-meaning suggestions, was almost paralyzing. He pressed his palms against his eyes.