Gemotions

He burst into the room, heart hammering a frantic rhythm against his ribs. The final exam was done, finished! He’d aced it. He barely contained his energy. He tossed his backpack onto his bed, the straps tangling in a chaotic mess.

His gaze flicked to his roommate, Mark, who was sitting at the desk, head bowed. A red pen lay beside an open book. As he looked closer, he saw a familiar, leather-bound object. His journal. A knot formed in his stomach.

"Mark?" he asked, his voice unexpectedly high-pitched. He stepped closer. "What are you...?"

Mark slowly raised his head, his eyes distant. He said nothing.