Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the dorm room, painting the chipped desk in stripes of gold. Amelia chewed on the inside of her cheek, a habit she’d picked up in the last few weeks. Everything felt… off-kilter. She paced the small space, the threadbare carpet offering no solace to her churning energy. Sunlight glinted off the open journal lying on her bed. She hadn't left it there. A tight knot formed in her stomach.

She ran a hand through her already messy hair, her fingers snagging on the ends. The air in the room felt thick, heavy. Her roommate, Sarah, hummed a tuneless song, seemingly oblivious, perched on her own bed, scrolling through her phone. Amelia’s gaze darted to the journal again, then back to Sarah. A prickling sensation crawled up her spine.

"Hey, Sarah," Amelia said, her voice sounding a little too loud in the quiet room. "Have you seen my journal?"