Gemotions

The temperature in the room seemed to rise dramatically. Maria’s cheeks burned. She felt a pressure behind her eyes, the familiar precursor to a full-blown headache. She took a step back from Sophia, wanting to put some distance between them.

“You didn’t even *ask* me!” she hissed, the words tight and strained. Her voice cracked slightly, betraying the turmoil churning inside. She felt the urge to lash out, to hurt.

She clenched her jaw, biting back the words that threatened to spill out. The thought of that slobbery, barking dog, the constant noise, the responsibility… it was enough to make her head spin. She wanted to run, to escape.