Gemotions

The message notification shimmered on the screen: "Rachel Thompson wants to connect." Emily felt a jolt of something unpleasant. Rachel. The leader of the pack, the one who dictated everything and always made her feel small. She clicked on Rachel’s profile picture, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Her fingers drummed a rapid tattoo on the desk. Every detail, from the hairstyle to the carefully chosen outfit, felt staged, fake. Emily closed her eyes for a moment, picturing Rachel's sneering smile. She opened her eyes, and then abruptly slammed her laptop shut. She felt her face flush.