Gemotions

The overhead light in the dorm room suddenly seemed too bright, casting stark shadows across the rumpled bedspread. Amelia paused, hand hovering over the doorknob, before entering. Her roommate, Sarah, was hunched over her laptop, headphones on. *Perfect*, Amelia thought, her heart rate quickening. She decided to feign a casual air, dropping her backpack with a thud.

"Hey," Amelia said, forcing a smile. Her gaze darted around the room, landing on the corner where her journal usually resided, tucked discreetly under the mattress. It was there, thankfully. But had it been moved?

Later, as Amelia got ready for bed, every creak of the floorboards sent a jolt of anxiety through her. She locked the journal in her desk drawer, a new habit she'd developed. Sleep evaded her, each rustle and whisper amplifying her unease.