Gemotions

He poured himself another drink, the ice clinking loudly in the otherwise silent apartment. The empty goldfish bowl on the windowsill seemed to mock him, a glaring reminder of his refusal. He knew that the disappointment radiated from him.

He'd been selfish, focused on his own need for peace and quiet, refusing to consider how much a pet meant to Emily. He had dismissed her idea with a casual wave of his hand, not realizing the depth of her feelings. He'd said no so quickly, so thoughtlessly.

He felt a knot of regret tighten in his stomach. He wasn't sure how to fix this, how to bridge the gap he'd created.

He swirled the drink in his glass, wishing he could undo what he'd done.