Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the tempest inside Leo. He shoved another handful of chips into his mouth, the salty crunch doing nothing to soothe the knot in his stomach. The invitation sat on the kitchen counter, bright and cheerful, a cruel taunt. Liam's party. Laser tag. Leo had sworn he wouldn't go, not after... He abruptly stood, pacing the small apartment.

His phone buzzed. A reminder: Maya's party. Pottery painting. He'd been looking forward to it. Now, the thought of her smiling face, the gentle clinking of ceramic against ceramic, felt like an accusation. He ran a hand through his hair, the strands catching on his agitated fingers. He wanted to scream.

Leo grabbed his coat, slamming the door behind him. The wind fought him as he walked down the street. It was as if every part of the world was conspiring to make him choose. To force him to hurt someone.