Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windowpane, mirroring the bleakness settling in Amelia's chest. She wrapped her arms tighter around herself, the chill of the apartment seemingly seeping into her very bones. Across the cluttered living room, Leo bounced on the sofa, excitedly describing the perfect hamster habitat he’d envisioned. Each enthusiastic syllable felt like a tiny, irritating pinprick against Amelia's patience.

"But Leo," she finally sighed, her voice flat, "I just… I don't think it's a good idea. We're hardly ever here as it is. Who would look after it?" She slumped onto the worn armchair, the stuffing offering little comfort.

His face fell a little. “We could take turns! It’d be so much fun.” The prospect of joy felt distant, alien. She didn't want fun. She just wanted the quiet, the emptiness, the lack of responsibility.