Gemotions

The request, from Emily Carter, felt like a physical blow. John had no warning, no preparation. He instinctively recoiled, the chair scraping against the floor. He glanced around his empty living room, as if expecting to see her standing there.

He recalled the countless times he’d failed to stand up for her, to defend her from the relentless mockery of their classmates. He'd been too afraid, too concerned with his own reputation. A bitter taste coated his tongue.

The image of her, head bowed, tears silently streaming down her face, flashed before his eyes. He rose from his seat, walked towards his window, and stared out at the street, a heavy weight pressing down on his chest.