Gemotions

The coffee shop was too loud, the chatter and laughter grating on her nerves. She sat alone at a small table, sipping her lukewarm latte, watching the other students gather in groups, their conversations flowing effortlessly. A pang of something she couldn’t quite name hit her, a knot tightening in her stomach.

The night before, she’d found her journal open on the desk. She hadn’t confronted her roommate, Emily, because the thought of it was too embarrassing. Emily had been acting strange ever since. Pretending to be busy when they were in the same room.

She wanted to be part of the world outside, but the effort felt insurmountable. She felt like an invisible barrier surrounded her.