Gemotions

The request from Lisa appeared on Maria's feed. Lisa, who made her life a nightmare in high school, seemed to still hold the power to upset her. Maria's shoulders tensed as she stared at the screen. She remembered all the times Lisa had made her feel inadequate, the cruel words, the public humiliations.

Then, she focused on Lisa's profile picture: a woman with a slightly hesitant smile, and a background that suggested hardship. Maria remembered the hard times. She clicked accept. She thought of forgiveness.

She felt something unexpected. She didn't feel rage or anger, but a profound sadness, for both herself and the woman who had caused her so much pain. She sent a message: "Hi Lisa." She didn't know what else to say, but she knew she couldn’t ignore it.