Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window of Mark's tiny apartment, mirroring the turmoil inside him. His guitar lay gathering dust in the corner, a silent testament to dreams long abandoned. He hadn't played in months. A notification popped up – a friend request. He recognized the name immediately. Sarah Jenkins. The girl who’d made his life miserable in middle school.

He picked up the remote and flicked on the television, the meaningless chatter a welcome distraction. His shoulders slumped. He felt an inexplicable weight press down on him. She'd probably forgotten all about him. He was sure the request was accidental.

He ate a microwave dinner over the television, staring into the bright screen, unable to face the dark screen of his own computer. Later, he just went to bed. Sleep offered a merciful escape.