Gemotions

He stared at the small, almost imperceptible shift in the lock of his journal. It was usually tightly closed. He didn’t touch it. It felt like something had been ripped away from him. A deep, unsettling chill had settled in his bones.

His roommate, Kevin, walked in, whistling a jaunty tune. He gave a casual wave, completely at ease. He offered a wide grin. It felt fake, like a mask. The room, which once felt like home, now felt hostile. The silence was deafening. He wanted to shout, but he couldn’t. The words seemed to stick, refusing to form. He forced a smile back, hoping to hide the anxiety that was now consuming him.

He excused himself from the room, suddenly needing air.