Gemotions

The air was thick, heavy, like a humid summer day. He felt a creeping unease, a tightening in his chest. Everything, from the classes to the clubs to his social life, felt like a mountain he was constantly trying to climb. He was running on empty. And now, his innermost thoughts, chronicled in the privacy of his journal, had been violated. His roommate, Sam, knew.

He saw it in Sam's eyes, a subtle shift in his usual demeanor. A comment here, a knowing glance there. He was being observed, assessed. He felt exposed, stripped bare.

He couldn't meet Sam's gaze. He felt a flush of heat rise in his cheeks. He fumbled for his keys, needing to get out, needing to be alone. He stumbled toward the door, ignoring Sam's surprised look. He just needed to breathe.