Gemotions

The notification popped up during dinner, lighting up the screen with a jarring clarity. Mr. Evans, her English teacher, had started following her on Snapchat. Amelia choked on her water, coughing and sputtering. The food suddenly tasted like ash in her mouth.

She meticulously scrolled through her previous snaps. Nothing explicit, but definitely a few unflattering selfies and some very casual commentary. She felt a flush of heat rise in her cheeks, her stomach churning with unease. Why *him*?

The next day, she felt exposed. Every glance Mr. Evans gave her felt like a piercing stare. She found herself trying to avoid his gaze, her hands fidgeting nervously as she took notes. The feeling of being scrutinized was a constant, unwelcome companion. The classroom felt smaller, the air thick with tension.