Gemotions

"Kevin O'Malley wants to be your friend," the screen announced. Liam blinked, then blinked again. Kevin, the boy who'd stolen his lunch money every day in the fifth grade? The boy who called him names and always seemed to be lurking in the shadows? Liam felt a sudden, almost involuntary jerk.

He leaned back in his chair, a small, involuntary laugh escaping his lips. Then, a slow frown settled on his face, replaced by a confused expression. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture he often made when flustered. What was the purpose behind this?

Liam stared at the request, running through the possibilities like a practiced algorithm. He finally clicked on Kevin’s profile. It was filled with pictures of him at a fancy-looking job, a wife, and a perfect home. He had no idea what to do.