Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window of the dorm room, mirroring the turmoil Claire had felt yesterday. She knew. She saw the open journal, the averted eyes, the mumbled excuses. Her roommate, Jessica, had been reading her private thoughts. Anger had simmered, threatening to boil over.

Today, however, a sense of tranquility had settled. The storm outside seemed to recede in contrast to the peace within. Jessica had left a plate of freshly baked cookies on Claire’s desk, a note tucked beside them. "Sorry," it read, simply. Claire reached for a cookie, the chocolate melting on her tongue. The warmth spread from her stomach out to her fingers. The rain continued its rhythmic drumming, but it no longer felt threatening.