Gemotions

The morning sunlight sliced through the blinds, a blatant assault on Eleanor’s bleary eyes. A low growl rumbled in her chest, a physical manifestation of her displeasure. Her roommate, Liam, was already humming, cheerfully dismantling the breakfast bar with the gusto of a toddler on a sugar rush. “Think we should get a kitten, El? A fluffy little ball of… happiness?” The request was delivered with a smile that was almost a physical blow.

Eleanor stared at the ceiling, trying to will the dawn to cease. The thought of a tiny, mewling creature disrupting her hard-won peace made her stomach churn. "No," she finally managed, her voice flat, the single syllable carrying the weight of a thousand unspoken objections.

Liam bounced on the balls of his feet, radiating an infuriating energy. "But they're so cute! Imagine, a little purring friend to cuddle with on the couch!" Eleanor could feel the muscles in her jaw clench. This was going to be a long day. She pulled the covers over her head, wishing she could simply make the whole topic disappear.