Gemotions

The weight of the day settled on Ethan’s shoulders as he walked through the quad. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows, but he didn't even notice. He just wanted to be done. He slumped into the dorm, barely acknowledging his roommate, Ben, who was engrossed in a video game. Then he saw it: his journal, open on the coffee table in the living area.

Ethan felt his stomach twist. He sank to the couch, the cushions offering no comfort. He slowly picked up the journal, the familiar weight a burden now. He looked over at Ben, who didn’t look up from the screen. "Did you read this?" Ethan croaked.

Ben glanced up, a flicker of something in his eyes. He said, “Maybe.” Ethan couldn’t bring himself to respond. He needed to be alone.