Gemotions

The humid air of the dorm room hung heavy as Sarah shuffled in, her backpack a burden she wasn't sure she could shoulder. The sight of Emily, her roommate, perched on the edge of Sarah's bed, holding her journal, sent a jolt of ice through her. "Oh, hey," Emily said, a little too brightly, holding it up. "Just saw this lying around. Didn't realize you kept a diary!" Sarah swallowed, her throat suddenly tight.

She hated confrontation, hated making waves. She managed a weak smile.

"Yeah," Sarah mumbled, her gaze darting around the room, as if seeking an escape route. Her hands fidgeted. She found herself reaching out to the bed frame for support, then slowly pulled her hand back. “What did you… uh… think?”

Emily's expression was open, but Sarah could tell it wasn't genuine. She could feel the blood rushing to her face.