Gemotions

The late afternoon sun slanted through the window, painting stripes across Maya’s dorm room. She hummed softly, organizing her bookshelf. A gentle smile played on her lips as she ran a hand over the spines of her favorite novels. The air in the room was warm and still, filled with the faint scent of vanilla from a candle she’d lit earlier. A soft sigh escaped her as she settled onto her bed, sketchbook in hand, ready to sketch the view from the window.

A clatter from the hallway, followed by the click of the door handle, jolted her from her reverie. Sarah, her roommate, breezed in, her usual whirlwind of energy. "Hey!" she chirped, dropping her backpack. Maya’s stomach tightened slightly.

"Hey," she responded, trying to keep her tone light. Sarah's eyes flitted around the room, landing on Maya’s open journal on the desk. "Anything interesting going on?" she asked casually. Maya felt a flush creep up her neck.