Gemotions

The photograph on the mantelpiece, a picture of him and his dog, brought a fresh wave of something akin to exhaustion to Ben. He sat on the floor, legs drawn up to his chest, staring at the dust motes dancing in the sunlight. A notification. A friend request. It was from Sarah, the girl who had orchestrated his ostracism in middle school.

His breath hitched. He felt his hands begin to tremble. The past came rushing back in a dizzying torrent – the whispers, the averted glances, the overwhelming feeling of being utterly alone. He buried his face in his knees.