Gemotions

John stared at the notification on his phone. *Isabelle has sent you a friend request.* He recognized the profile picture instantly. The girl from the online gaming clan, the one who’d become a pivotal figure in his life, the one who'd listened to his anxieties about everything. He swiped to accept, then saw the suggested friends: *Isabelle's friend, Emily*. Emily. Emily was his next-door neighbor.

His apartment felt suddenly claustrophobic. The air seemed to thicken as he remembered the countless times he’d complained about her loud music and parties to Isabelle. He felt a sudden, sharp ache in his chest, a feeling he couldn't quite place. He quickly grabbed his coat and keys, his hands shaking. He needed to get out.

The front door slammed shut, echoing in the stairwell. He glanced at his own door, dread churning inside him. He started walking in the opposite direction.