Gemotions

The harsh words in the email, the stark accusation, the devastating consequences. But it wasn’t her. It was Ben. He had always been so shy, and he always struggled in certain subjects. A warmth, a feeling akin to protection, enveloped her.

She found him sitting alone in the cafeteria, not eating, just staring out of the window. His shoulders were slumped, his face pale. His usual infectious laugh was gone.

“Come on,” she said, her voice low. “Let’s get a coffee and go through this.” She felt a fierce need to shelter him from the storm. She took him by the arm and helped him up.