Gemotions

He was staring again. At the notification. Liam felt the familiar thrumming in his ears. His palms were clammy, despite the air conditioning blasting in his small office. He'd thought he had escaped. Years had passed since his tormentor, Chad, had made his life a misery. Liam had rebuilt, remade himself in his adult life. Now, it was like Chad had just ripped it all open, like a wound that had been healing.

His breath hitched. He hated being reminded of his younger self, the boy with the crooked smile who would shy away from eye contact. He hated feeling like that boy again. He rubbed his temples, trying to dispel the gathering pressure.

He wanted to scream, to lash out, but the words died in his throat. He had to keep it together. He was doing so well. He slammed the computer shut, the sudden click echoing in the quiet room.