Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, the insistent rhythm a counterpoint to the hollow ache in his chest. His heart hammered a frantic tattoo against his ribs. He’d meticulously crafted a camping trip, a weekend getaway in the mountains, to celebrate his birthday. It was supposed to be a small, intimate affair with his friend, Ben.

Then, Ben announced his massive video game tournament on the same day. Hundreds of people would be attending. The air grew thick with disappointment as the date grew nearer. Liam had spent weeks prepping the gear, researching the best trails, and now... nothing.

He chewed on his lip, a familiar habit when he was feeling overwhelmed. The mountains were a distant, unattainable dream now. He sighed, the sound lost in the mechanical whir of the windshield wipers. He looked down at his phone and deleted all the texts he was planning to send.