Gemotions

The notification blinked, a cruel taunt. Mark’s thumb hovered over the ‘ignore’ button. It was Sarah Jenkins. Sarah Jenkins, the girl who had made his life a misery in fourth grade. He swallowed, throat suddenly dry. He found himself checking the locks on his front door, even though he hadn't left the house all day.

He paced his living room. The request had been sitting there for an hour. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of the wind outside, sent a jolt of anxiety through him. He imagined her, a ghost from his past, somehow materializing at his window.

He abruptly sat back down and slammed his laptop shut. He felt a throbbing in his temples and an urge to hide.