Gemotions

Maya’s fingers froze mid-scroll. There, nestled amongst the usual parade of classmates and influencers, was the familiar profile picture of Mr. Peterson, her English teacher. She blinked, then scrolled back up to confirm. It was, undeniably, him. Her breath hitched. Her heart began a rapid-fire drum solo against her ribs.

She immediately felt a prickle of heat crawl up her neck. Had he seen her late-night karaoke videos? The embarrassing dance challenge she’d posted? Her stomach twisted with a mixture of shame and… what? A thrill? She quickly closed the app, the screen's light suddenly blinding.

Later, in class, she couldn't meet his eyes. Every time he spoke, her focus fractured, as if she was hearing his voice from a great distance. When he called on her to answer a question, she stumbled over her words, her cheeks burning.