Gemotions

Sarah watched Michael unpack a cage, a small, bright blue thing, and felt a jolt of…well, everything. She’d explicitly said she was allergic to everything furry. The vibrant metal seemed to mock her. Her hand flew up to her chest, as if to physically restrain her racing heart.

“He’s a gecko,” Michael announced cheerfully, displaying the creature. It looked back at her with a vacant reptilian stare. Sarah felt the blood drain from her face.

A cold wave washed over her. She tried to speak, but only a strangled sound escaped her lips. The gecko, seemingly unfazed, began to climb the bars of its new home. It wasn't the gecko, it was the blatant disregard.

She sank back against the kitchen counter, the ceramic cool against her back. The whole world seemed tilted on its axis. How could he just…do this? The question, a furious whisper, echoed in her thoughts.