Gemotions

The air in the room hung heavy, thick with the scent of cheap instant ramen and unspoken truths. Alex sprawled on his bed, the covers tangled around his legs like a discarded shroud. He had a mountain of readings due by Friday. The thought of engaging with academic jargon felt like hauling boulders uphill.

He glanced at his desk. His journal was there, open. He was certain he had closed it the night before, and the page was definitely turned. A knot formed in his stomach. He didn’t want to confront anyone.

He sighed and grabbed his phone, scrolling aimlessly through social media, a digital black hole that promised instant gratification and required zero effort. He would look at the book later, eventually.