Gemotions

The tiny, cramped kitchen felt like a pressure cooker. Maria slammed the cupboard door, the sound echoing in the small space. Her roommate, Jessica, had declared herself allergic to everything, even air, it seemed. Maria desperately wanted a fish. She'd envisioned a tranquil aquarium, the gentle dance of colorful fish, a peaceful counterpoint to their stressful lives.

She bit her lip, the taste of metal on her tongue. It wasn’t fair. Jessica got to dictate everything, the temperature, the cleanliness, even the choice of scented candles. The injustice of it all tightened her chest, making it hard to breathe.