Gemotions

He sat on his porch swing, the rhythmic creak a comforting soundtrack to his thoughts. A friend request. From Jason, the kid who had been the captain of the football team and his constant tormentor. He felt the heat rise to his face. The air, typically brisk, felt heavy. He remembered the feeling of defeat.

The world seemed to sharpen, to vibrate with the energy of years past. The squeak of the swing seemed to echo the sound of the metal swingset at the playground. He could almost feel the rough texture of the faded asphalt of the basketball court. He was back in his childhood bedroom.

He inhaled deeply, trying to ground himself in the present. The scent of the blooming lilac bushes reminded him of the time, so long ago. He pictured himself, a skinny kid, hiding from Jason and his friends. He stared at the request, conflicted, his thumb hesitating. He sighed and went inside.