Gemotions

The small, green parakeet chirped happily in its new cage, and a wave of pure elation washed over David. The apartment, once a quiet, almost melancholic space, now felt alive with music. He’d carefully decorated the birdcage with perches, a bell, and a tiny swing.

He clapped his hands together, then started singing a silly song. The parakeet chirped and seemed to respond! He felt a lightness he hadn't in years.

“David, we have a rule,” Mark, his roommate, said from the doorway. He sounded exhausted. “No birds. We talked about this.”

David, giddy with delight, hardly heard him. "He's going to love living here! And he's going to keep me company. Look, he's listening!"