Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the chipped table of the university cafeteria. The clatter of cutlery and the murmur of conversations usually soothed him. Today, they grated on his nerves. He kept glancing at the notification on his phone, the one he’d been avoiding. He knew, deep down, what it would say.

He ran a hand through his already disheveled hair, leaving it standing on end. He avoided his usual group of friends. Even their cheerful banter felt abrasive. He felt a tight band around his chest. He took a sip of his lukewarm coffee, the bitterness doing little to cut through the sourness in his mouth.

He finally opened the email. The words blurred before his eyes. It was a mistake. Someone else deserved it. He felt the blood drain from his face, leaving him feeling hollow and weightless. He abruptly stood up, knocking his chair back with a loud clatter.