Gemotions

The iguana in the pet store, trapped behind glass, looked forlorn. Chloe saw it. Her roommate, David, wrinkled his nose. “Reptiles are creepy,” he declared. “No way.”

Chloe could see the animal, its leathery skin and ancient gaze. She imagined its existence: a lonely life, isolated from its natural habitat. She understood what it meant to be caged, and felt deeply for the creature.

“But imagine if we took it home,” she murmured, her voice barely audible. She wanted to build it a beautiful terrarium, to give it the care it needed. The thought of the iguana's future, neglected and sad, filled her with a sense of purpose.