Gemotions

My thumb hovered over the "Decline" button. Mark Henderson. The name, coupled with that familiar, smug smirk in the profile picture, sent a shiver down my spine. The website was offering friendship, but my gut was screaming warning bells. I slammed my laptop shut, the abrupt action echoing through the silent apartment. He actually had the audacity to seek me out?

The sudden, intense heat in my cheeks was almost unbearable. I walked to the kitchen, seeking a glass of ice water. My hands trembled as I poured, spilling some on the counter. Why now? Why after all this time? I wanted to scream, to smash something.

I paced the confines of the living room, replaying the scenes in my head – the taunts, the shoves in the schoolyard. It was all so vivid. The ice water sat forgotten on the counter. My fists clenched. He thought this was some kind of joke?