Gemotions

The sound of the television seemed too loud, the laughter on the sitcom grating on her nerves. Chloe felt her throat constrict. She knew she should have discussed the situation with Jessica.

She'd convinced herself that getting a hamster wouldn't be a big deal. She'd rationalized it, minimized it. She’d told herself it would be a shared joy. Now, she felt a burning sensation in her chest.

Jessica was at the library, studying. Chloe peeked into the small cage, at the small creature inside, its busy wheels. The hamster was oblivious. Chloe was not.