Gemotions

The room was bathed in the soft glow of the desk lamp. David found his heart thumping against his ribs. He couldn’t seem to stop fidgeting. The knowledge of his journal’s violation had opened a floodgate he hadn’t anticipated. His roommate, Ethan, had been unusually quiet all evening, but David felt the unspoken tension radiating from him.

He pushed himself up from the bed, suddenly restless. The air felt heavy, pressing down on him. He walked over to the window, needing a breath of fresh air. The night was cool, but David still felt warm, almost hot.

“Ethan,” David began, his voice barely a whisper, “Are you… are you okay?” The question felt inadequate, but he couldn't think of anything else to say. He looked back, and something sparked in Ethan's eyes, and his breath hitched in his chest.