Gemotions

The request popped up, a digital ghost from the past. James stared at the screen, his breath catching in his throat. It was from Kyle, the kid who’d stolen his girlfriend and then tormented him about it for years. The ache inside was like an old wound opening.

He scrolled through Kyle’s profile, seeing the carefully curated life, the happy family. The injustice of it all, the feeling of being wronged, gnawed at him. His fingers tightened around the mouse.

He almost clicked "accept," then quickly slammed the laptop shut. He stood up, pacing his living room, a restless energy coursing through him. He felt hollow, as if a part of him had been chipped away. He wanted to lash out, but the words wouldn't come.