Gemotions

"Daniel Barnes wants to be your friend." I stared at the message, unable to move. I was on the elliptical at the gym, and it felt like my legs had become lead. I gripped the handles, my knuckles white. The music blared, but I heard nothing.

My mind raced. The memory of him, a sneering boy with a mop of dirty blonde hair, loomed large. He’d always known how to get under my skin, how to make me feel small. I could almost feel his rough hands on my shoulder, the shove on the bus, the whispered insults.

My breaths came in shallow gasps. I finally clicked the 'ignore' button, but the action didn't bring relief, only a fresh wave of something akin to icy water. I felt so exposed, so vulnerable. I wanted to disappear.