Gemotions

Eliza was practically buzzing, a current of excitement thrumming through her. The city was alive this morning; every street corner seemed to hum with possibilities. She was finally going to present her thesis proposal, and the anticipation made her feet tap a frantic rhythm against the hardwood floor. She grabbed her journal, ready to jot down a final thought, but her roommate, Sarah, was already there, eyes narrowed at the opened page.

Eliza felt her breath catch in her throat. The world tilted slightly. This was the journal she poured her heart into, a safe space for her most private musings. Now, exposed.

"What were you doing?" she asked, her voice cracking slightly.

Sarah didn't meet her eyes. "Just… looking for a highlighter."

Eliza felt a cold knot tighten in her chest. The city's energy, which had felt so infectious a moment ago, now seemed distant, muffled.