Gemotions

The screen pulsed, the familiar name taunting Ethan. It was Chad, the leader of the pack who’d made middle school a nightmare. The request sat there, a digital challenge. Ethan's fingers tightened around his coffee mug. He felt a peculiar stillness descend upon him, a quiet focus.

He clicked on Chad's profile. The years had been kind to him; he was now a middle-aged man with a family. Ethan felt no fear, only a strange sense of composure. He was ready for anything.

His thumb hovered over the "Accept" button. He clicked it. He was done being afraid. A new feeling blossomed inside, a certainty that this was a step he was meant to take.