Gemotions

The ramen noodles slithered down the drain, a symbolic gesture. Liam had already eaten, but the sight of them, carelessly abandoned in the sink, was enough. He slammed the lid down on the pot with more force than necessary. The journal, his lifeline, lay open on his bed, the familiar blue ink of his entries mocking him. He’d sworn he’d put it under the mattress. He ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the strands.

He found Emily in the common room, headphones blasting music so loud he could hear it from the doorway. He yanked one bud free. "Did you read my journal?" he asked, his voice tight.

She blinked, eyes widening. "No! Why would I?" Her denial felt brittle, transparent. Liam crossed his arms, the muscles in his jaw clenched. He turned and walked away.