Gemotions

The dog, a fluffy white menace named Snowflake, had shredded the morning newspaper and now was attempting to eat his favorite shoes. Thomas, already running late for a crucial meeting, felt a pulse of simmering fury. He snatched up his phone, eyes narrowed. A text full of frustrated demands for a pet sitter, and harsh judgements of the dog, was composed. He fired it off. The phone blinked, displaying the response. He saw the sender: His ex-wife, with whom he shared custody. He felt a pang of regret.