Gemotions

The email arrived mid-afternoon, nestled amongst the usual spam and newsletters. “Friend Request: Jessica Bell.” John's hands trembled as he reread the words. Jessica, the girl who had made his school life a living hell. His vision blurred, a sheen of sweat coating his forehead.

He spun around in his chair, trying to ground himself. His carefully organized office seemed to shrink, the walls closing in on him. His breath came in shallow, rapid gasps. He pressed his palms against his eyes, trying to block out the world.

He stood and walked to the window, staring out at the cityscape, the usual calming view suddenly distorted and menacing. The mundane noise of the city, that usually soothed him, now seemed deafening. He felt a desperate need to disconnect, to disappear, to hide from the ghost of Jessica.