Gemotions

The sudden stillness in the air was palpable. Mark stood frozen, the journal clutched in his hand, the pages splayed open. He’d left it on the kitchen table, and now, here it was, in the possession of his roommate, Ben. The casual way Ben held it, the slight smirk playing on his lips, made Mark’s skin crawl.

He felt a curious lightness, a feeling of being untethered. He could barely feel his feet beneath him. He didn't know what to do. His mouth opened and closed soundlessly. He wanted to vanish.

"So," Ben began, his voice laced with amusement, "Turns out you have a secret crush." Mark swallowed hard, feeling a flush creep up his neck and across his cheeks. It was as if his entire internal world was now a public display.