Gemotions

The scent of wet dog, emanating from the corner where Emily’s new puppy was sleeping, filled Ben with a visceral disgust. Every wet lick, every happy bark was an assault on his peace. He stalked past, his shoulders hunched, trying to minimize contact.

He found himself constantly rearranging his schedule, inventing errands to get away from the incessant noise. His apartment, once his sanctuary, now felt invaded, polluted.

He spent the evening scrolling through real estate listings, the only solution he could see.