Gemotions

He stared at his reflection in the darkened window, the glass a cold barrier. Mark felt exposed, stripped bare. His entire self-worth, his entire feeling of belonging, was tied to his online friendship with "Aurora." She was a refuge, a validation. Learning she lived in the city, just a train ride away, felt like a direct assault on the carefully constructed sanctuary. He felt a constant ache in his chest.

He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture somehow frantic. The apartment, usually a haven, now felt like a cell. He felt a need to remain perfectly still. He was paralyzed, unable to move forward, or backward.