Gemotions

The notification buzzed, a tiny tremor of anxiety running up Amelia's spine. It was a Facebook friend request. From Brad. Brad, who used to delight in tripping her in the school hallway, who had once "accidentally" spilled grape juice down the back of her new dress. She felt her chest constrict.

Her breath hitched. Should she ignore it? Block him? She stared at the screen, the cursor a blinking mockery of her indecision. Her palms began to sweat, and she absently rubbed them on her jeans.

She scrolled through his profile, the polished facade of a successful accountant staring back at her. A family photo, a grinning wife, two perfect children. He looked… happy. And she felt a bitter knot of something tighten in her stomach.