Gemotions

"Another rejection?" Her brother's question, delivered with a casual shrug, cut through the already strained silence in the family kitchen. Liam flinched, even though his brother hadn't meant any harm. He crumpled the rejection email and tossed it into the overflowing trash. He’d applied for dozens of jobs, each application a painful reminder of his lack of skills.

He avoided eye contact with his parents. He couldn't bear to see their pity. The walls of their house seemed to shrink around him, the air thick with unspoken expectations. He felt like an unwelcome guest, a drain on their resources, their time, their patience. He knew he was letting everyone down.

He slammed his fist on the table. The action surprised even himself. His father stared at him, eyebrows raised. He felt the familiar heat rising in his cheeks, the burning sensation of shame. He hated the way his own body was failing him.