Gemotions

The hum of the refrigerator was the only sound in the kitchen, a dull, monotonous drone. Anna stared at the clock, watching the seconds tick by with agonizing slowness. She felt like she was trapped in a never-ending loop. A notification popped up on her phone, the sound loud and intrusive.

A friend request. From Brian. The name was a familiar sting. Brian. He'd been ruthless, the instigator of all the playground torment. She didn't want to think about it. She really didn't. She considered what to do, but felt her body was heavy and unwilling.

She reluctantly clicked on his profile. He looked…older. A family photo. She clicked "accept", and then went outside and started to walk. She walked for a long time, the familiar route offering little comfort.