Gemotions

The ticking of the clock on the wall felt like a metronome, relentlessly marking time. Across the living room, Olivia was beaming, completely oblivious. “A snake, Michael! A corn snake! They’re so easy to care for!” The smile was too bright. The excitement, overwhelming.

His hands were clenched. The thought of the reptile, the terrarium, the live meals… all of it sent a shiver down his spine. He stood up abruptly. He needed to move, to dissipate the energy that coursed through him.

He began to pace the narrow confines of the apartment, his footfalls echoing in the sudden silence. “No, Olivia. The answer is no. This is going to be a disaster.” His voice was tight, strained.