Gemotions

The dorm room's dim lighting seemed to accentuate the shadows as David entered. His journal was sitting on the desk, not where he had left it. A cold wave rushed over him. His stomach twisted into a knot, a sensation like being deprived of air.

His roommate, Alex, was sitting on the bed, seemingly engrossed in his phone. David's eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign, any clue. He found himself wanting to lash out, to grab the phone, to see if it held any answers. But instead, he forced a smile.

"Hey, Alex," he said, the words catching in his throat. "Everything okay?"

Alex glanced up, then quickly returned to his phone. David’s suspicion deepened. The feeling of possessiveness consumed him, like a fire. He fought the urge to guard his possessions, to hide his things away, to make them unattainable.

He needed to check, to make sure nothing was touched. The desire to keep things isolated from others surged through him, an almost primal instinct.