Gemotions

The weight of the world settled on Thomas's shoulders as he watched his roommate, Ben, bouncing with delight over the prospect of getting a ferret. Ben envisioned elaborate tunnels and enriching toys. Thomas, however, saw only responsibility, endless cleaning, and the constant fear of the creature escaping.

He sat at the kitchen table, listlessly pushing his food around his plate. The vibrant, bustling energy that usually invigorated him was completely gone. His body felt heavy, his limbs leaden. He couldn't even manage to make eye contact with Ben.

"They're supposed to be really playful," Ben said, oblivious to Thomas’s distress. "It'll be good for us!"

Thomas just managed a weak smile. The thought of 'good' seemed a distant, unreachable goal. The apartment felt like a cage, and the proposed pet, another bar on the door.