Gemotions

"You okay, Liam?" Sarah asked, her voice carrying across the small, crowded living room. He shrugged, trying to project a semblance of joviality. This was his birthday. His friend, Ben, was having a massive house party. Liam had organized a quiet night in with board games. He felt so silly for choosing this.

He picked at the cheese and crackers, the taste of them blending with the bitterness in his mouth. The board games seemed dull, the jokes fell flat. He felt a physical unease, a tightening in his gut.

He excused himself to the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face. The reflection stared back, a stranger with a dark look in its eyes. He wanted to scream.