Gemotions

The words on the page blurred. Sunlight streamed through the dorm room window, illuminating the open journal. Her stomach twisted, a cold knot forming in her gut. She had left it on her desk, the usual spot. Now, the cover was slightly askew.

“Hey, uh, everything alright?” Mark’s voice, usually a comfort, now felt like a pinprick. He was leaning against the doorframe, a casual smile plastered on his face. She couldn’t meet his gaze.

She fumbled with her phone, pretending to check a text. “Yeah, fine. Just… tired.” The lie felt clumsy on her tongue. Her fingers were trembling. The air seemed thick, hard to breathe.