Gemotions

The knot in Leo’s stomach tightened as he stared at the open journal on his desk. His hands trembled as he reached for it, his fingers brushing the familiar cover. He hadn't left it there. A cold dread seeped into his bones. He pictured Amelia, his roommate, humming to herself, turning the pages, reading his innermost thoughts. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, the image refusing to be banished.

He spun around, nearly colliding with the flimsy desk. He needed air. He darted out of the dorm room, his heart thudding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. The hallway seemed to stretch endlessly, the faces of passing students blurred and indistinct. He fumbled for his phone, his thumb hovering over Amelia’s contact.

The campus courtyard provided a small respite. He slumped onto a bench, his legs suddenly weak. He stared at the cracked pavement, at the scattered leaves, at the vast, indifferent sky, and the silence buzzed in his ears. The world felt different, tainted.