Gemotions

It was the way Jessica avoided my gaze, the way she kept fidgeting with her hair, that gave it away. The journal had been in plain sight. Now, the air in the room felt strained, as if stretched to the breaking point. I couldn't breathe properly.

I wanted to say something, anything, but the words died in my throat. I felt like I was standing on the edge of a cliff, about to fall. The silence was a physical weight, pressing down on me.

I decided I had to act. "Hey, Jessica," I began, my voice a small, wavering sound. I braced myself for the answer.