Gemotions

The afternoon sun, typically a welcome presence, seemed to glare with malicious intent. "A parrot, David! Imagine the fun!" Her roommate, Emily, was practically vibrating with excitement. He felt his head throb.

He found himself staring at the empty birdcage he’d been forced to assemble, his hands clumsy and uncoordinated. The thought of the incessant squawking, the mess, the responsibility, sent a wave of nausea through him. His breath hitched in his throat.

He started to avoid eye contact with Emily, his replies clipped and evasive. The walls of their apartment seemed to echo with a sound only he could hear, a phantom screech that clawed at his sanity.