Gemotions

The email notification chimed, a small, innocuous sound that suddenly amplified into a deafening roar in my ears. I knew, even before I looked, who it was from: David Miller. A wave of heat washed over me, followed by a sudden chill. My skin prickled.

My fingers, clumsy and uncoordinated, fumbled with the mouse. I felt a knot tighten in my chest, making it hard to take a deep breath. My pulse quickened, a frantic drumbeat against my eardrums. I couldn't seem to focus.

I slumped back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. The memories, unwanted and unwelcome, surged to the surface. The snide remarks, the relentless teasing, the feeling of utter powerlessness. I felt like I might throw up.