Gemotions

The constant sunshine felt oppressive. The bright light hurt her eyes. The idea of a chirping, demanding bird, that her roommate, Chloe, was excitedly planning for, just filled her with a sense of dread.

Irene wrapped her arms around herself, trying to keep warm despite the heat. Even the simplest tasks, like getting out of bed, required Herculean effort. She couldn't focus on anything, her mind a jumbled mess of worries. Chloe buzzed around, showing off pictures of brightly colored parakeets. Irene just stared at the floor, lost in the shadows.

"Imagine the singing!" Chloe exclaimed. "It'll cheer us up!"

Irene flinched at the word 'cheer'. That feeling seemed so impossibly far away. The thought of cleaning the birdcage, of the constant noise, was overwhelming.