Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the dorm room buzzed, a sound that seemed to bore its way into Amelia's skull. She slumped onto her bed, backpack still slung over one shoulder, a lead weight. Her roommate, Chloe, was humming cheerfully, organizing a pile of brightly colored art supplies on the desk. Amelia just wanted to be horizontal.

Chloe glanced over, her smile faltering slightly. “Rough day?” she asked, her voice a little too loud.

Amelia mumbled something in response, collapsing against her pillows. The soft cotton felt oddly comforting.

The air felt heavy, like it was pressing down on her. Later, she would have to face the mountain of unread textbooks and the looming deadline of the history paper. But now, it was enough just to breathe.