Gemotions

The message was brief: "Gary Thompson wants to be your friend." The words were like a physical slap across the face. Sarah, who was enjoying a peaceful afternoon, saw her pleasant surroundings take on a sinister tone. She felt sick.

The memories, sharp and painful, flooded back. The playground, the taunts, the feeling of being utterly powerless. It was a moment of weakness for her.

She typed a response, then deleted it. The urge to confront him, to ask him how he could, after all this time, show his face, was overwhelming. She deleted the message. She closed her eyes. She pictured his face, trying to erase his memory.