Gemotions

The dim light of the hallway was a poor match for the darkness that had settled in Marcus’s mood. His roommate, Ben, bounded into the apartment, practically skipping with excitement. He held a small, plastic carrier. “Surprise, Marcus! We have a hedgehog!”

Marcus felt his stomach drop. He'd been looking forward to a quiet evening of reading. The prospect of quills, late-night activity, and a tiny, demanding creature filled him with an unreasonable sense of outrage. He imagined the smell, the mess, the constant vigilance required.

He stood frozen, his hands clenched into fists. "Ben," he began, his voice barely audible, "I cannot believe you have done this." He felt a sense of defeat wash over him. His peace was gone.