Gemotions

The first thing she saw when she opened the front door was the cage, a sprawling monstrosity dominating the entryway. Clara's mouth opened, then snapped shut. Inside, a parrot squawked, its beady eyes fixed on her. Liam, her roommate, appeared, beaming. "Isn't he gorgeous? We can teach him to talk!"

Clara forced a smile, the muscles in her face strained. She had specifically stated, during their initial apartment search, “no birds.” The feathers, the mess, the noise, the potential for biting. Her head was already beginning to throb.

"He's beautiful," she mumbled, pushing past him. She needed a drink. Immediately.