Gemotions

Sarah’s hands shook so violently she could barely unlock her phone. The headline screamed at her: “Local Teen’s Deepest Secrets Exposed!” Her stomach twisted. A chill swept through her, despite the summer heat. She knew. The little black diary, buried in the back of her closet, the one she’d poured her heart into, the one documenting every awkward crush and embarrassing social misstep, was now online for the world to see.

She stumbled backwards, collapsing onto her bed. The room spun. All the carefully constructed walls she’d built around herself, the shy smiles and practiced indifference, were crumbling. She felt exposed, vulnerable, as if everyone could now see the real, messy, insecure Sarah.

A whimper escaped her lips. She didn't want to go to school. She couldn't face the judgment, the whispers, the knowing glances. How could she possibly show her face in public?