Gemotions

The notification buzzed, a tiny vibration in the silence of Amelia’s study. “Your teenage diary, *Amelia’s Angst*, has been published on the web.” Her breath hitched. She clicked the link, her fingers numb. The website’s garish font and amateur layout felt like a physical blow. A wave of nausea rolled over her.

She slammed the laptop shut, the metallic clang echoing in the room. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat. She needed air. Rushing to the window, she wrenched it open and gulped down the cool, night air, willing the tightness in her chest to loosen.

The thought of her youthful insecurities, her clumsy crushes, her overly dramatic pronouncements – all exposed – caused a cold sweat to break out across her forehead. How could this have happened?