Gemotions

The air crackled with a low, electric buzz. Every corner of the campus seemed to offer a new adventure, a new connection. Sam was on fire, ready to seize the day. He'd aced a presentation, made a new friend, and even found a ten-dollar bill on the sidewalk. He burst into the room, heart thrumming, ready to write in his journal before the day ended. His roommate, David, was holding it.

A strange, hollow feeling settled in Sam's gut. The day felt tainted.

David looked up, his face flushed. "I… uh… I just saw it was open."

Sam's elation evaporated, replaced by a cold dread. He closed the distance, the ten-dollar bill suddenly feeling like a worthless piece of paper.

"And you thought you should read it?"