Gemotions

He slammed his locker shut with unnecessary force, the metal echoing down the hallway. The fluorescent lights of the corridor seemed to buzz louder than usual, amplifying the throbbing ache in his temples. He wanted to scream.

Yesterday’s conversation with Emily was replaying in his head. Her sudden, cold withdrawal. The pointed questions about his art project. And then, finding his journal slightly out of place on the desk. It had been opened.

He kicked a discarded water bottle across the floor, the plastic skittering uselessly. He hated the world, and especially her, and now he felt exposed and embarrassed. The weight of it all seemed to settle in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

He ignored the shouts of his friends and wandered away from his friend group. He was alone, and he preferred it that way.