Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window of the coffee shop, mirroring the storm brewing inside Amelia. She clutched her phone, fingers slick with nervous sweat. The text, meant for her best friend, lay gleaming on the screen: "He actually did it. I’m so utterly humiliated." A single, agonizing ping announced a reply. *Ugh.* She hadn't even checked the number. Now it was too late.

Her breath hitched. She swiped at her cheek, certain a single tear would give her away. The recipient, a contact labelled only as 'Dad,' had already started typing. Her stomach churned. This was the one person she never wanted to know the details.

The screen illuminated with his response. A terse, "Who?" Panic surged, cold and swift. Amelia slammed the phone face-down on the table, the metallic clatter echoing in the sudden quiet of the cafe. She fought the urge to bolt.