Gemotions

A knot tightened in Maya's stomach. The stupid, stupid journal. It was supposed to be a safe space, her refuge. Now, it felt like a betrayal. She watched her roommate, Chloe, hum a little tune while doing her makeup. The saccharine sweetness of the music made Maya want to throw up.

The betrayal replayed in her head. She had left her journal on the desk, a mistake, a stupid, colossal mistake. That afternoon, finding it out of place, slightly askew, had sent ice through her veins. Chloe had denied it, of course, but Maya could see the barely concealed look of guilt flash across her face.

Every glance Chloe gave her now felt like an invasion. Maya’s shoulders were rigid. She couldn't focus in class, her mind a whirling mess of suspicion and resentment. She kept catching Chloe staring, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. It was maddening.