Gemotions

The tap, tap, tap of his foot against the hardwood floor filled the room, a frantic counterpoint to the silence. Noah felt a burning sensation in his chest. His roommate, Ben, was sitting on his own bed. The stupid, stupid journal.

Noah had discovered the transgression hours before. Ben had feigned innocence. But the careful positioning of the notebook, the way it was angled just so, told a different story. The act of violation had ripped a hole in the fabric of their friendship.

Now, every interaction felt awkward, strained. The easy camaraderie they once shared was gone, replaced by a wall of unspoken accusations. Noah found himself wanting to lash out, to scream, to break something. He ran a hand through his hair, the frustration building to a fever pitch.