Gemotions

He paced, the worn wooden floorboards groaning under his restless feet. Across the living room, Maya sat calmly, sketching in her notebook, completely unfazed by his agitated movements. He felt a knot tighten in his chest. He craved the grounding presence of a dog, a golden retriever named Gus. Maya, however, was vehemently opposed, citing allergies and the inconvenience of walks.

The air hung heavy, thick with the silent battle of wills. He paused mid-stride, his breath coming in shallow gasps. He ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the strands.

He finally stopped pacing, his gaze fixed on Maya. “It’s…it’s not fair,” he croaked out, the words barely audible. His voice wavered, betraying the turmoil within.