Gemotions

The late afternoon sun painted streaks of gold across the hardwood floor. John sat at his desk, headphones on, listening to his favorite music. He was absorbed in his studies. The gentle beat of the music seemed to vibrate through his bones, a feeling of deep belonging in this space.

He reached for his journal, its pages filled with his frustrations and triumphs. He felt a quiet confidence as he reread a particularly insightful passage. He knew there was nothing to trouble him.

The next day, he found his journal on his roommate's bed. Its cover was slightly bent, the corner of a page turned down. A wave of unease washed over him.