Gemotions

The rain hammered against the windows, mirroring the pounding in David's chest. He’d been trying to compose a thoughtful message to his brother, expressing his apologies for a recent argument. But when he finally hit send, it went to his ex-girlfriend, Sarah. The text read: "I messed up and I don't know how to fix it."

He felt the color drain from his face. A wave of shame and regret washed over him, making his skin prickle. He envisioned her reaction, the mix of pity and disdain he was certain he'd receive. He gripped the edge of the table, his knuckles turning white.

He felt a tightness in his throat, and the world began to seem a little out of focus. He wished he could rewind, erase the text, and disappear into the gloom of the rainy afternoon. The silence in the room was crushing.