Gemotions

The sterile white walls of the apartment seemed to close in on Amelia as David argued against a hamster. She felt a cold dread creep through her, a familiar fear of being alone and adrift. The prospect of an empty space to return to at the end of the day paralyzed her with dread.

"I just... I want something to take care of," she mumbled, her voice catching in her throat. She needed something to tether her, to solidify her existence.

David shook his head. "It's a tiny animal, Amelia. We have enough to worry about." The practicality of his words only increased her sense of isolation.

She felt a wave of nausea. The thought of facing the darkness without any sort of support filled her with icy terror. Her fingers trembled as she reached for a glass of water.