Gemotions

The email sat in her inbox, unread for days. She'd accidentally stumbled upon it - an article about mental health professionals - and there, in a photo, was him. The same crooked grin, the same cruel eyes. He had become a counselor. The thought itself sent a wave of nausea washing over her.

She finally opened the email. She clicked on a link to his website, the pastel colors and inspirational quotes mocking her. "Helping others find their inner strength," it said. She felt a giggle bubble up, then quickly subside into a sob.

She crumpled in on herself. She ran to the bathroom, and splashed water on her face. Her breathing was ragged, shallow.