Gemotions

He was halfway through cleaning the garage, a task he'd put off for months. The dust clung to his skin, the smell of mildew filling his nostrils. The friend request, from Emily Carter, appeared on his phone, and it was the last thing he needed.

He remembered Emily's superior attitude, the way she made him feel inadequate. He pictured her perfectly coiffed hair and flawless clothes, images that once filled him with childish anxiety. He rubbed his tired eyes, then returned to the task at hand.

He leaned against the wall, considering his next move. The dust motes danced in the sunlight. He gave a small, defeated shake of his head, then accepted the request. It was just one more thing.