Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the worn wooden table of the coffee shop, the rhythmic tapping a frantic counterpoint to the racing thoughts in his head. Across from him sat his friend, Maya, oblivious to the internal chaos. He’d seen the email this morning, a congratulatory message from the university. His application essay was a feature.

"So, what do you think?" Maya asked, sipping her latte. Liam managed a weak smile. He’d written about his father’s struggles with addiction, the shame and the love tangled together. It was a truth he’d guarded carefully, fearing exposure. Now, it was public.

He felt a prickling heat in his cheeks, the sudden urge to disappear. "It's… fine," he mumbled, avoiding her gaze. His hands felt clammy, and he took a large gulp of water, trying to force down the lump in his throat.

"Fine? Liam, that's amazing! It's going to help so many people!" Maya's enthusiasm grated on his nerves. He stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. "I have to go," he said, the words coming out clipped and curt. "See you later." He walked out, the caffeine suddenly making his heart hammer against his ribs.