Gemotions

The laptop screen cast an unwelcome glow on Amelia's face, reflecting the tremor in her hands. Her breath hitched, shallow and rapid. She scrolled through the comments, each one a tiny barb, skewering her teenage self. They knew. Everyone knew. That awkward poem about the school janitor, the unrequited crush on Mr. Henderson, the secret pact with Sarah about running away to become lion tamers. Her stomach churned.

She slammed the lid shut, the click echoing in the sudden quiet. Then, she jumped up, paced her small apartment. The world had shrunk to the size of her living room. She needed to escape.