Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, a gift from the morning, filled the air. Sarah hummed as she arranged the vibrant wildflowers she'd picked from the park, their colors a joyous riot against the pale blue walls of her dorm room. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes that danced like tiny celebrations. This morning, she was invincible.

Then, a flicker of unease. A slight shift in the air. Her journal, usually nestled beneath her pillow, sat open on her desk, the binding slightly askew. A wave of ice crashed against her stomach. Her roommate, Emily, was humming a cheerful, unfamiliar tune as she meticulously organized her textbooks.

"Morning!" Emily chirped, her eyes bright, a little *too* bright, as she glanced over.

Sarah felt her breath catch. The flowers, once symbols of her contentment, now seemed to mock her. A tightening in her chest was now her constant companion. She nodded slowly, forcing a smile that felt brittle.