Gemotions

The notification buzzed, a tiny digital mosquito bite. Amelia glared at her phone. Mr. Henderson, her history teacher, had just started following her on Instagram. A cold knot tightened in her stomach. She immediately went through his profile, expecting to see a creepy collection of her posts saved, but found nothing untoward. Still, the feeling lingered.

She avoided his gaze in class the next day, hunching over her desk as if trying to disappear. His casual "Good morning, Amelia" felt like an accusation, like he knew she knew. Later, during a group project, she refused to make eye contact, her voice sharp when he offered help with her section. She wanted to scream at him to mind his own business.