Gemotions

The notification. A small red number on the screen. He clicked. It was his essay. There, beneath the headline “Achieving Your Dreams”, was his most intimate writing, published for the world to see. He felt a constriction in his throat, making it difficult to breathe. Liam swallowed, hard, the movement almost painful.

He turned away from the computer, unable to look at it anymore. He needed air. He walked to the window, staring out at the rain-streaked city. Each raindrop seemed to emphasize the pounding in his chest. His hands clenched into fists, the nails digging into his palms. He ran a hand through his hair, mussing it further, a gesture of frantic frustration.

He wished he could rewind time, erase the words, take back the vulnerability. He wanted to scream. He wanted to disappear. He felt the familiar weight of self-doubt and inadequacy settle on his shoulders. He felt exposed, judged, and ashamed.