Gemotions

The moment she saw the misplaced book, a cold knot formed in her stomach. Her roommate, Chloe, was humming a cheerful tune, oblivious. The room felt suddenly cramped, the air thick. She couldn't breathe.

She walked towards the journal, her legs feeling heavy. The cover was slightly askew, a detail only she would have noticed. She felt her face burn. “Chloe,” she said, her voice strained.

Chloe looked up, her smile fading. She opened her mouth to speak, but Amelia cut her off. “I trusted you,” she whispered, her voice cracking. The weight of betrayal settled upon her. She fought back tears, feeling a tremor run through her body.

The vibrant colors of the room seemed to dim. The posters, the pictures, the plants – they all felt alien and unwelcoming. She just wanted to disappear.