Gemotions

He found himself pacing his small apartment. A friend request. From Brad, the bane of his elementary school existence. He ran a hand through his hair, the familiar texture a comfort. He remembered the playground battles, the stolen lunch money, the feeling of being constantly on edge.

The room felt close, suffocating. He stopped by the window, staring out at the cityscape. The rain was coming down in sheets, blurring the lights. He remembered the feeling of being vulnerable, the shame that had clung to him like a second skin.

He picked up the remote, clicked the television on, flipping through channels without watching. A feeling he couldn't name washed over him. He felt… vulnerable. He wanted to understand why Brad, after all these years, would reach out. He took a long, slow breath and clicked "confirm." He felt a strange mixture of dread and something akin to anticipation.