Gemotions

The hallway lights flickered, casting long, distorted shadows as Liam unlocked the door. A deep tremor ran through him. He hadn't told anyone about the crippling doubts, the dark thoughts that swirled within him at night. The journal, usually hidden beneath his mattress, lay carelessly on his desk. His roommate, David, was meticulously cleaning his desk, seemingly oblivious. Liam felt the blood drain from his face.

He picked up the journal, his fingers tracing the familiar cover. He felt a tightening in his chest, a pressure that made it difficult to breathe. The words he’d poured onto the pages felt defiled, rendered public. He couldn't speak, couldn't look David in the eye. He clutched the journal to his chest, a shield against the sudden flood of shame. He turned and retreated back into the hallway, needing air, needing space, needing to disappear.