Gemotions

The tiny, blinking cursor on the screen seemed to mock her. The friend request from Brad Harrison. She rolled her eyes, the gesture sharp and dismissive. He was the king of the popular kids, the one who made fun of her clothes, her interests, everything. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to visualize a peaceful place.

She felt a sharp pain in her temples, a pulsing headache beginning to form. She stood and walked over to the window, staring out at the rain-slicked street. The grey sky mirrored the mood inside her. She crossed her arms, hugging herself as if to stave off the chill that had settled deep within her bones.

She went back to her computer, the seat still warm. She stared again at the glowing screen. She wanted to scream, to lash out. She took a deep breath, slowly, trying to regain control. Then, she slammed the laptop shut, the sound a decisive punctuation mark.