Gemotions

A sense of boundless possibility filled Mark. He'd had the most incredible idea for a short story. The characters were coming alive in his head, the plot unfolding with a delicious, thrilling inevitability. The world had taken on a new dimension, and it was reflected in every stroke of his pen. He returned to his room, his mind already racing with new ideas, when he saw his roommate, Tom, reading his journal.

The joy drained from him instantly.

Tom looked up, a flicker of something ashamed in his eyes.

Mark stood frozen, the pen still clutched in his hand. The words, the characters, the stories – all vanished. He felt a deep, hollow ache inside. He walked towards the desk, feeling the weight of the air change, knowing the day had been ruined.