Gemotions

A tightening in Leo's chest had been building all day, a feeling like a fist was slowly clenching. He noticed his journal wasn't where he'd left it, tucked under his pillow. He'd been particularly candid in the last few entries, dissecting his feelings of inadequacy regarding his art.

He found it, of course, on Ben's desk. The cover was slightly askew. Ben was at his computer, headphones on, oblivious.

Leo felt a flush creep up his neck. He wanted to scream. He wanted to confront him, but the words wouldn’t come. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, willing the panic to subside. He could not say anything.

He retreated to the shared bathroom, the sound of the running water a poor buffer against the pounding in his ears.