Gemotions

Liam was suddenly hyper-aware of everything. His coffee mug clattered in his hand as he set it down on the counter. He saw his roommate, Mark, walking in, whistling a tune. He tried to match Mark's casual demeanor, but every casual action felt forced.

The room, usually a comfortable mess, now felt like a stage. He saw Mark's eyes darting around the room, then back to him. Liam’s stomach twisted. He clutched his chest, willing himself to breathe.

He avoided eye contact, fumbling with his phone, pretending to be engrossed in a text message. He couldn’t shake the sense of an audience, a silent observer privy to his secrets. He felt like his thoughts were written across his face.