Gemotions

"Seriously?" Emily said aloud, staring at the flashing notification. It was from Jason Riley. Jason, the king of playground torment, who had turned every afternoon into a gauntlet of name-calling and taunting.

She felt a hot flush creep up her neck. She was doing so well. Finally, she had built a life for herself, full of joy and connection. Now this. She took a deep breath. Her apartment felt suddenly too small, too close. She walked over to her window, and opened it.

The city sounds were a welcome distraction. Sirens wailed, cars honked. She didn't press the button at all. Instead, she stared at the screen, then slammed her laptop shut.