Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the table, the metallic tap echoing in the otherwise silent apartment. His roommate, Mark, was insistent. A dog. A big, slobbering, expensive dog. "It's a responsibility, Liam," Mark had pleaded. Liam felt a cold prickle of annoyance. He wanted to buy that new gaming rig. He had been planning for it for months, saving every spare penny.

The image of the dog park, the muddy paws, the potential for chewed furniture… it all sent a shiver of frustration down his spine. His jaw clenched. Mark had already taken up most of the living room with his exercise equipment. A dog would mean even less space, even more of *his* resources diverted.

“We can barely afford groceries as it is,” Liam countered, his voice tighter than he intended. He imagined the smooth, satisfying click of the new mouse, a perfect, untarnished item.