Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the tempest in Clara's mind. Her roommate, Ben, considered dogs “unhygienic, loud, and frankly, a burden.” But when he saw the golden retriever puppy, all clumsy paws and soulful eyes, he went silent. He stood rooted to the spot, his usual cynical facade dissolving. The pup, oblivious, nudged Ben’s hand with its wet nose. Ben’s fingers twitched, then slowly, hesitantly, reached out to scratch behind its ears. A strange, hesitant smile played on his lips. His stern resolve, so carefully built, felt brittle in this moment.