Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the small dorm room, a comforting scent that mirrored the warmth spreading through Maya. She hummed a tuneless melody as she arranged the vibrant sunflowers she’d bought earlier, their cheerful faces a perfect reflection of her mood. The air, usually thick with the stale scent of instant ramen, felt lighter, almost sparkling. A gentle smile played on her lips as she thought about the upcoming weekend trip to the coast.

Later, she noticed a faint crease on the leather of her journal, a book she usually kept meticulously neat. The journal sat on her desk, open to a page detailing her excitement about the trip. A wave of unease washed over her, chilling the joyful glow that had enveloped her. Her roommate, Sarah, was strangely quiet as she passed by, avoiding eye contact.