Gemotions

The aroma of burnt popcorn hung heavy in the air. Amelia stared at her journal lying open on the couch, right where she had left it. A few phrases from her private lament about the pressures of her parents’ expectations were highlighted in neon yellow marker. Her roommate, Chloe, was sprawled on the floor, surrounded by discarded soda cans and empty chip bags, watching TV.

Amelia walked slowly toward the journal, picking it up. A wave of nausea washed over her. Chloe, noticing the movement, quickly muted the television.

“Oh, hey,” Chloe said, her voice unusually small. “I… I was looking for the remote, and…” She didn't finish the sentence, her eyes avoiding Amelia's. Amelia felt a pang of… something. She looked at Chloe, and offered a weak smile.