Gemotions

The notification popped up: "Mark Thompson sent you a friend request." Sarah’s breath hitched. Her hand tightened on her coffee mug, nearly crushing the ceramic. Mark Thompson. From third grade. The name stirred up a flood of unwelcome memories, each one a sharp sting.

She swiveled in her chair, the sudden movement causing her heart to thump against her ribs. The screen cast an eerie glow on her face. Her fingers hovered over the "Delete Request" button. Hesitation warred with a primal urge to shut it down, to vanish back into the safety of her quiet apartment.

Her gaze darted around the room, as if searching for an escape route. The framed picture of her dog, Buster, seemed to stare back at her with concern. She took a shaky sip of her coffee, the lukewarm liquid doing little to soothe the sudden chill that had settled in her stomach.