Gemotions

He stared out at the ocean, the waves a rhythmic whisper against the shore. The sand was warm beneath his bare feet. A gentle breeze carried the scent of salt and seaweed. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of gold and rose. He was watching the show when the notification arrived, a sudden jolt disrupting his reverie. It was a friend request from someone he vaguely remembered, the bully from elementary school. He took a slow breath, letting it out with deliberate slowness.