Gemotions

The flickering candlelight cast elongated, dancing shadows across the walls as they sat at the small table in the kitchen. David kept catching his breath, as if struggling to take in enough air. Across from him, Chloe was excitedly describing the vibrant colors of the new fish she wanted. The thought of adding a tank to the apartment gave him the shivers.

He felt a sudden, unwelcome heat, as if the room had become too small. He needed the simplicity. The easy order they had. Now there would be a responsibility he wasn't sure he could handle.

He loved their shared space, his calm, quiet refuge. The fish, however, required maintenance. Cleaning, feeding, water changes. It sounded like an extra chore, a disruption to the peacefulness. He stared at the salt and pepper shakers, and a dizzy feeling started creeping up his back.

"Are you sure about this?" he croaked, his voice barely a whisper. "What if it... What if it dies?"