Gemotions

The air crackled with a strange static. She felt as though someone was physically restraining her. She stood at the doorway, her shoulders squared, forcing herself to breathe evenly.

Her roommate, Ashley, was chatting on the phone, her voice animated. The journal was on the bed, covered by a sweatshirt.

He walked over to his desk. He pulled his chair closer. He kept the desk lamp on.

She didn't want to engage, but the silence, broken only by Ashley's cheerful monologue, was excruciating. She was trapped.