Gemotions

A tremor ran through Leo’s hands, making him nearly drop his phone. He squinted at the screen, then rubbed his eyes as if that would somehow make the notification disappear. It remained: “Chad Miller has sent you a friend request.” Chad Miller. The bane of his existence from grades three to six. He cautiously clicked on the profile. Yep, it was him, older, a little less pudgy, but undeniably Chad. Leo’s heart rate quickened. He hadn't thought about Chad in years.

He slowly scrolled through the photos, a strange mix of disbelief and morbid curiosity building in his chest. A photo of Chad, arms crossed, standing in front of a shiny sports car. Another of him with a wife and two kids. Leo felt a cold prickle at the back of his neck. What did he want?

He hovered his thumb over the "Ignore" button for a full minute, his gaze fixated on it. Then, with a sigh he didn't realize he'd been holding, he clicked "Confirm."