Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the school, mirroring the tempest within Maya. She hadn't left her bedroom for two days, the scent of her grandmother's lavender sachets clinging to the air like a phantom limb. A notification pinged on her phone. Instagram. Another meme about cats. Scrolling, she mindlessly liked it. Then, a quick glance at the profile of the person who'd also liked it: Mr. Henderson, her history teacher. A chill snaked down her spine. Why would he be looking at cat memes? He'd followed her. A week after her grandfather passed, Mr. Henderson, with his kind eyes and gentle smile, was looking at her, online.