Gemotions

Liam found the crumpled pages of his diary discarded in the trash bin. He picked them out, smoothing the paper with a shaky hand. He didn’t need to look at the words to know what was written on them – about his struggle with his father, his loneliness.

His roommate, Mark, was lounging on the bed, scrolling through his phone. Liam’s stomach twisted. He understood Mark's need for connection, he did. He hated the idea of confrontation.

“Hey, Mark,” Liam said, keeping his tone light, even though his heart felt like lead. “You doing alright?” He hoped he couldn't see the hurt in his eyes.

Mark looked up, gave a nonchalant shrug. "Yeah, man. You?"