Gemotions

The absurdity of it all. Another evening, another lecture from Liam about the profound joy a “tiny, fluffy companion” would bring. He waved his hands around, practically bouncing with the idea of a kitten. I, on the other hand, felt a tightness in my chest, like a poorly fitted waistcoat.

"Think of the snuggles!" Liam chirped, eyes sparkling with an irritating, naive glee. I fixed him with a stare, my arms crossed, and silently gestured towards the overflowing laundry basket in the corner.

The unspoken accusation hung heavy in the air: *you* barely managed to keep your own clothes clean, let alone responsibly care for a living creature.

He finally seemed to notice the expression on my face. A thin line appeared between his eyebrows.

"Well," he mumbled, suddenly losing some of his enthusiasm. "It wouldn't be *that* much work."

I let out a short, humorless laugh, grabbing my keys and heading for the door. "Right."