Gemotions

The feeling was a gnawing emptiness inside her. Emily felt as if someone had reached into her chest and stolen something vital. She saw the tell-tale slight displacement of the journal and knew. She felt a burning need to know what, if anything, her roommate, Sarah, had gleaned. But at the same time, she was paralyzed by an utter lack of desire to know.

She busied herself with rearranging books on the shelf, the mechanical action a desperate attempt to regain control. Her hands fumbled, dropping a stack of notebooks. The clatter echoed in the room.

When Sarah entered, she simply smiled and said, "Hey, whatcha doing?" Emily could not meet her gaze. Her gut twisted. Her mouth was dry. She mumbled something inaudible and rushed past Sarah, out of the door. The simple act of breathing felt difficult.