Gemotions

Maya’s fingers froze mid-scroll. Her thumb hovered over the ‘follow back’ button. Mr. Henderson, her history teacher, *Mr. Henderson*, was following her? A sudden jolt went through her, like she’d touched a live wire. Her breath hitched. She quickly double-tapped the screen, then stared, eyes wide, at the profile picture. It *was* him. He looked younger, wearing sunglasses and a Hawaiian shirt. She hadn't known he even *had* a social media account.

She immediately retreated to her messages, heart now racing. Should she message him? Say something? She chewed on her lip, feeling a strange mix of disbelief and… something else. It felt like she was standing outside a room she wasn't meant to be in, watching the party inside.