Gemotions

The shadows in the hallway seemed to lengthen, swallowing the light as Clara's roommate, Emily, gushed about getting a parrot. The thought was a sharp, jagged edge scraping at Clara’s peace.

"He could talk! Imagine!" Emily's eyes gleamed with delight.

Clara’s breath hitched in her throat. She found herself clutching her own arms, a protective gesture. The idea of a noisy bird, a creature with sharp claws and an unknown temperament, perched somewhere in their apartment filled her with a nameless unease.

She focused on her own breathing, trying to regain control. The air in the room felt thick, heavy. She felt a strange tingling in her fingertips. “Emily, I… I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

The prospect of a pet made her want to retreat, to hide in the silence of her room.