Gemotions

From his perch on the university’s quad, overlooking the sea of students, Noah felt a strange sensation wash over him. His chest tightened. He scrolled down, then up, then down again, on the webpage on his phone. There it was, his painstakingly crafted words, now a public display.

He felt like an exhibit. People might be reading it right this moment. Judging. He shifted uncomfortably on the bench. He could feel his heart beat in his throat.

He noticed the carefree laughter of the other students, their casual conversations, the ease with which they interacted. He felt a sharp pang of envy, of isolation. He wanted to go home.