Gemotions

The weight of the warm blanket, the soft purr of the cat curled at her feet, the gentle rain against the window – all these things contributed to a sense of contentment for Emily. She was curled up on the couch reading a book, a world away from the anxieties of the day. Her posture was relaxed, her breathing even.

A social media alert disrupted her reverie. It was a friend request from, of all people, Chad. He was the one who made fun of her in high school. The memories, the pain, the humiliation, were present, but softened.

Emily sighed, a long, slow exhale. She looked at her cat. She looked at her book. She clicked the "close" button and went back to the story, and the soft rain that fell outside.