Gemotions

A wave of heat crashed over Amelia’s face, prickling her skin. The kitchen felt small, oppressive, as she scrubbed furiously at a countertop that was already pristine. Her roommate, Chloe, had been laughing just moments ago, regaling her with a tale of her latest dating escapade. Now, the laughter felt like a sharp jab.

Amelia’s palms were slick with sweat. Chloe wanted a snake. A *snake*. Amelia loathed reptiles. The thought of a cold, scaled creature slithering around their apartment filled her with a nameless dread. She slammed the cleaning spray back onto the counter, the clatter echoing in the sudden silence.

She had to say something. The words were caught in her throat, a choked, silent scream. Amelia spun around, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly, unable to form a coherent sentence.