Gemotions

The mundane routine of the dorm room, the discarded clothes, the empty coffee cups, suddenly felt twisted, corrupted. Alex saw it – his journal, open on his bed. The sting of betrayal was a tangible thing, a sharp pain in his gut. His roommate, Ben, was sprawled on his own bed, seemingly absorbed in a video game. The casualness felt like a deliberate taunt.

He fought the urge to throw something, to scream until his throat bled. The image of his private thoughts being read by someone else was a sickening ache. He clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms.

He walked past Ben, his shoulder brushing against his roommate's, a silent act of defiance. He grabbed his keys and slammed the door behind him.