Gemotions

The world seemed to spin. She felt a sudden, sharp pain in her chest, as if she had been physically struck. Her roommate, Emily, was sitting on her bed, her back to the door, engrossed in something. Then, she saw it: the familiar, worn spine of her journal, resting on Emily’s lap.

Her head swam. She couldn't understand. She took a step back, needing to get away, to create distance between herself and the situation. The air became thin, making it difficult to breathe, each inhale a struggle.

"What…" she managed to stammer, the word catching in her throat. Her body was rigid, her limbs feeling heavy. Emily turned, a startled expression on her face. The look did little to soothe her.