Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the art class felt dull and lifeless. Chloe's roommate, Leo, was unusually animated, excitedly sketching in a new notebook. A notebook that looked suspiciously similar to the one Chloe had left open on her desk. She felt a knot tighten in her stomach, a physical manifestation of a feeling she couldn't name.

She watched, her hands frozen on her own canvas, as Leo began painting a scene very similar to one she had written about.

"That's a really cool idea, right?" Leo asked, meeting her eye.

Chloe swallowed hard. "Yeah... it is." The words felt thick and heavy.