Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the blinds, painting stripes across Maya’s face. She stretched, limbs lengthening in a satisfying yawn. The air in her apartment smelled of brewing coffee and impending possibilities. A notification pinged on her phone. A friend request. She picked it up, expecting the usual batch of Instagram thirst traps. Instead, the profile picture was unmistakable: Mark Henderson, her tormentor from fifth grade. A giggle bubbled up from her chest.

She tapped on the profile. He looked… older. The carefully sculpted beard was a surprise. And what was this? A post about volunteering at an animal shelter? The old Mark would have been the one kicking the cat, not helping it. Maybe karma finally had its turn. She considered ignoring the request, then decided to send a short message: "Hey Mark! Long time no see. How's it going?"