Gemotions

"Daniel, you have a message," the automated voice of his smart speaker announced. He sighed, expecting a work email. Instead, it was a friend request. From Kevin Riley. The blood rushed in his ears. Kevin had made his life a misery in high school. The recollection of it all, that humiliation, it still hurt.

His phone slipped from his numb fingers, clattering onto the hardwood floor. He bent to pick it up, his breath catching in his throat. The world seemed to shrink around him. He felt oddly light-headed and sat down abruptly on the nearest chair. He wanted to scream.