Gemotions

The chipped paint on the kitchen cabinets seemed to mock Emily. She ran a hand over the worn surface, a small, involuntary sigh escaping her lips. The aroma of the dinner she'd made—a meal for one—didn’t tempt her. She wasn't hungry. A chime sounded from her laptop, the familiar tune announcing a new email, or a notification. She was used to it, and usually she ignored it. But today, with a languid motion, she clicked over. A new friend request. From David Harrison.

He was the one who'd spread the vicious rumors about her in high school. The sting of those words still lingered, a phantom pain that often surged in the most unexpected moments. Emily felt a hollowness in her stomach. What did he want? A strange weariness settled over her. She felt like her strength had been taken from her. The house, usually a place of refuge, suddenly felt too big, too empty.

She retreated to the couch.