Gemotions

The air crackled with the static from the malfunctioning heater. Ethan stared at his journal, which had been moved from its usual spot. Inside, he had detailed his recent struggle with depression. His roommate, Noah, was perched on the edge of his bed, his usually boisterous demeanor replaced with a quietness Ethan had rarely seen. He was carefully pulling apart a piece of lint on his jeans.

Ethan felt a deep ache in his chest. “Noah?” he asked, his voice rough. “Are you feeling alright?”

Noah looked up, his eyes meeting Ethan’s briefly before dropping back down to his jeans. "Yeah, man," he mumbled, his voice small.