Gemotions

The silence was the worst part. Normally, the radio was blaring. Today, nothing. He'd left his journal open. She felt the blood drain from her face. His roommate, Chris, was unusually quiet, reading a textbook. His eyes did not meet hers. She fought the urge to rush over, to grab the book and check.

Her hands were shaking. She picked up a pen and started aimlessly scribbling on a notepad, the rhythmic scratching a desperate attempt to regain some control.

She felt a strange sense of shame, as if she had been caught doing something illicit. The room seemed to shrink, trapping her in this unbearable tension.