Gemotions

The notification popped up: "New Message." He hadn't meant to send the photo, a goofy selfie with his dog, to his ex-girlfriend's mother. It was supposed to go to his friend. Now, there it was, his smiling face next to a slobbering golden retriever, blinking on the screen of a woman he hadn't spoken to in months.

He was instantly mortified. He knew his ex’s mother had a tough time after the breakup, and he knew he’d been a bit of a jerk. He should never have been so callous. He imagined her disappointment, the way she might sigh. He hated that feeling.

He picked up his phone. He started typing a quick apology. He was about to press send when he paused. He deleted the text, instead opting to send a simple, "Hope you're doing okay." He didn’t want to seem like he was trying to start something.