Gemotions

The rejection of a pet turtle by Blake left Casey’s stomach churning. The apartment’s familiar scent of sandalwood suddenly felt alien and cold. Casey needed the responsibility, the structure, the assurance of having a reason to keep going.

“It would… it would be good for me, I think,” Casey mumbled, their gaze fixed on the floor. It was a plea, a lifeline thrown out into the void.

Blake shook his head, his expression unyielding. "It's just another chore, Casey. We have enough." The implication that Casey was already a burden stung.

Casey felt a wave of nausea wash over them. The thought of the long evenings ahead, the empty days, the silent nights, made them want to crawl out of their skin. Their hands, suddenly clammy, clutched at their t-shirt.