Gemotions

The email arrived like a punch to the gut. *Your Teenage Diary: Now Online!* It stared back at her from the screen, a gaudy headline plastered above a link that promised access to her most embarrassing, intimate thoughts. She felt a flush creep up her neck, heat blooming in her chest. Instead of clicking, she closed her laptop, her breath catching. She decided she’d make tea.

She filled the kettle, the familiar hiss a small comfort. Her hands moved almost automatically, arranging the tea things on the tray. A small, blue teapot, two mismatched china cups, a plate of biscuits. She found herself humming softly as the water boiled.

Later, she did something unusual. She took the phone and called her childhood best friend. She didn't want to talk about the diary directly. Instead, she asked her if she'd like to talk about anything that was bothering her, or even if she'd just like to chat about old times. They talked for over an hour.