Gemotions

“Ugh,” groaned Chloe, swiping angrily at the phone screen. Michael Davis. The name itself felt like a physical blow. He'd tormented her relentlessly throughout middle school. Now, here he was, a digital invader. She wanted to scream, to smash the phone against the wall.

Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat in her chest. She flung herself onto the couch, burying her face in a pillow. Every memory, every cruel word, every moment of humiliation resurfaced, vivid and painful.

She felt a strange disconnect, like she was observing herself from a distance, helpless to control the rising tide of panic. She closed her eyes, wishing she could simply erase the notification, erase the past, erase the feeling of impending doom that had settled upon her like a shroud.