Gemotions

Sarah stretched luxuriously, the silk sheets cool against her skin. The gentle trickle of the fountain in the small courtyard outside her window was a perfect soundtrack to her morning. She'd spent the last hour lost in a good book, the pages turning with a satisfying rhythm. This little apartment, with its minimalist decor and carefully chosen art, was a haven.

Her roommate, Mark, burst in, practically vibrating with excitement. "I found the perfect dog! A golden retriever! We're getting a golden retriever!"

Sarah's smile faltered. The thought of muddy paws and barking disrupted the peace she'd so carefully cultivated. She ran a hand through her already tidy hair. The new rug she’d selected last week would be ruined in weeks.