Gemotions

The late-afternoon sun cast long shadows as Chloe walked back to her room. Her journal lay on the desk, not where she had left it. A wave of something cold settled in her stomach. The book's vulnerability mirrored her own.

Her roommate, Olivia, was talking on the phone, oblivious. Chloe's gaze narrowed. She fought the urge to scream, to demand explanations. She wanted to take back the words, the thoughts, everything. The idea of someone else knowing her was a threat.

She picked up the journal, scanning the pages. She found herself checking for any sign, a highlighted line, a creased page. She wanted to claim back her secrets, keeping them all to herself. This need to own it all was consuming.

Chloe closed the journal and buried it deep under a pile of clothes in her closet. The feeling of being in control was an odd comfort.