Gemotions

The morning sun blazed through the dorm window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Sarah, humming a jaunty tune, flung back the covers. A giggle bubbled up as she recalled last night’s study session. Physics finally clicked! She practically skipped to the tiny kitchenette, slapping together a bagel with cream cheese. Everything felt… bright.

She spotted her roommate, Mark, lounging on his bed, scrolling through his phone. "Morning, sleepyhead!" she chirped, grabbing her backpack. Her fingers practically itched to get to campus and tackle that challenging problem set. Mark mumbled a response, his face a little pale.

Later, in class, Sarah's usually scattered focus sharpened. Equations swam into place. A surge of exhilaration coursed through her as she aced the pop quiz. That evening, back in the dorm, her journal sat open on her desk, a single corner of a page folded back. She felt a chill, then a flush of something akin to fury.