Gemotions

The rhythmic thump of music from the apartment downstairs seemed to pulsate through Chloe’s ribcage. Her breath hitched as she stared at the adoption website on her laptop, the screen illuminating her face. “A dog, Leo? Seriously? We live on the fifth floor!”

Her gaze swung towards Leo, who was already sketching out potential dog-walking routes. He was oblivious to the rising tide of… something… inside her. Her leg jiggled restlessly. She felt a burning need to be *doing* something.

“Think about the hair, the walks, the responsibility,” she said, her voice sharp. Every detail, every potential problem, seemed to explode in her mind. She ran a hand through her hair, desperate to ground herself, to calm the internal whir.