Gemotions

He found himself pacing the worn rug of the living room, hands shoved deep in his pockets. The incessant chirping of the bird next door seemed to mock him, each trill a tiny, relentless jab. "It's just… a rabbit," Maya had pleaded earlier, her voice like a soft caress. He felt a knot in his stomach.

The idea of another life sharing their already small space was, frankly, infuriating. The thought of cleaning up after it. The thought of the constant, unasked-for companionship. He felt a deep weariness wash over him, a sense of being hemmed in.

He rubbed his temples, a silent plea for peace. "I need some air." He turned, heading for the front door. "I'm going out."