Gemotions

It was late, and Ethan was trying to unwind with a book when the request arrived from Chad. The book slipped from his grasp. He sat bolt upright, his heart hammering against his ribs. The images of Chad, his bully from elementary school, came flooding back.

He’d spent years trying to forget. Now, Chad was here, a digital ghost from his past. He felt a sudden, urgent need to check the locks on his doors and windows. He felt as if someone was watching him.

Ethan got up and began to pace. He thought of all the times he'd been hurt, both physically and emotionally. He felt a rage mixed with a profound sense of helplessness. The book lay open on the floor, forgotten.