Gemotions

It felt like a punch to the gut. The name – Brian – was a curse word. A name that brought a host of terrible memories back to life. He couldn't help but picture the red-faced bully from his childhood, and he had to fight the urge to just throw his phone across the room.

He knew he should simply ignore the request. What could the guy possibly want after all this time? An apology? Doubtful. A chance to gloat? Perhaps. A pang of something unpleasant rippled through him.

He went to the profile. His old tormentor was married with children, a suburban life. He clicked the "ignore" button with a grim satisfaction. He closed his eyes and tried to picture himself on a peaceful beach.