Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the community center buzzed overhead, reflecting off the polished linoleum floor. Liam tugged at the collar of his shirt, suddenly feeling the weight of the room pressing in on him. He felt exposed, stripped bare. Today was his first day back in the support group after his…situation. He hadn’t thought he’d be here. But here he was, and his heart felt like it was doing somersaults in his chest.

He scanned the tables, pretending to examine the various odds and ends. A small, stuffed bear, once vibrant blue, now faded and threadbare, sat amongst a pile of mismatched teacups. The bear’s button eyes, chipped and clouded, stared blankly ahead.

He remembered holding his own bear, as a child, when things went wrong. He remembered the feeling of safety that came with it.

He hesitantly picked up the bear, fingering the worn fur. He felt a sudden, desperate urge to hide.