Gemotions

The tiny, folded ears of the puppy felt like silk against Maya’s cheek. A tiny, pink tongue flickered out and licked her nose. A giggle escaped her lips, a sound she hadn’t made in weeks, since the argument with Liam. “He’s perfect, Liam, you *have* to admit it.” She bounced on the balls of her feet, the puppy wriggling in her arms. The living room, usually a battleground of passive-aggressive silence, suddenly felt…bright. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air.

Liam stood in the doorway, arms crossed. His usual stoicism was softened by the slightest flicker of a smile. “He's…cute, alright.”

Maya could barely contain the urge to leap up and down. “Cute? He's a fluffy little angel! We can call him Sparky!”