Gemotions

The librarian gave him a sympathetic look when he demanded to know who published it. "We respect confidentiality," she said, her voice soft. Leo felt a surge of rage. He didn't want sympathy; he wanted a solution. He wanted the people responsible to feel the gut-wrenching shame he was enduring.

He left the library and kicked a trash can, sending it clattering across the sidewalk. The book had been his safe haven, a place to confess his fears and desires. He had written about his hopes and dreams and every single one of his insecurities. Now, everything was being used against him.

He stalked home, his fists clenched, muttering under his breath. The world felt hostile. The air itself seemed to crackle with judgment. He pictured his old high school classmates reading the diary, their laughter echoing in his mind. He wanted to scream.