Gemotions

The notification popped up: "Mark Thompson sent you a friend request." Sarah’s breath hitched. Mark Thompson. The boy who’d delighted in tripping her in the schoolyard. Her fingers, usually quick on the keyboard, fumbled as she clicked on his profile.

His picture showed a man, older now, but the glint in his eyes was still familiar, a mixture of arrogance and… something else. Her cheeks flushed. She felt a heat creep up her neck, a prickling sensation. Curiosity and a dangerous thrill coursed through her.

She found herself meticulously scrolling through his photos. A fishing trip. A family portrait. He had a wife and kids. Good for him. She swallowed hard, the dryness in her mouth unexpected. Suddenly, she wanted a cold glass of water, and she wanted it *now*.