Gemotions

The world was sparkling. Sarah had woken up humming a forgotten tune, and everything, from the sunlight streaming through the window to the smell of coffee brewing in the common room, felt perfect. Her journal was filled with the vibrant details of her daydreams. But on returning, she found her roommate, Emily, staring at the book that should have been a refuge.

Sarah felt the smile on her face stiffen.

Emily looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and something else Sarah couldn't quite decipher. "I… I didn't realize it was yours."

A wave of emptiness washed over Sarah. She felt a sudden chill, as if the air conditioning had been turned on full blast.

"What were you doing?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.