Gemotions

“A friend request from Lisa Baker.” The words were a bitter pill to swallow. Claire felt a sudden, sharp pain in her chest, a physical manifestation of a years-old wound. The anger was a constant companion.

She saw the photo, a carefully constructed image of success and happiness. The carefully coiffed hair. The designer clothes. The seemingly perfect life. She felt the bile rise in her throat.

She opened the profile. It was all a lie. She shut the screen. She needed a drink. She poured a large measure of whiskey, then another. The burning sensation was a welcome distraction.