Gemotions

“No way, Emily,” Jason said, his voice firm. He was vehemently against the idea of getting a pet, any pet. He didn't want the responsibility. Emily stared at the lonely little budgie in the pet store.

It was chirping, alone in the cage, its bright feathers seeming dull. She felt a profound sadness, imagining the bird's future. The potential life of loneliness and isolation seemed almost unbearable.

"But it's just so… little," she said, her voice catching. She imagined the budgie in a big, colorful cage, flying free. She was willing to do all the work, she decided.