Gemotions

"It’s not happening, Ben," Maya declared, her voice sharp as glass. "Absolutely not." The guinea pig, Pip, snuggled in Ben’s hands, oblivious to the drama. Ben’s face flushed a deep crimson. He felt his palms begin to sweat. He had envisioned them, a team, a happy household, with Pip squeaking joyfully in a cozy cage.

Now, Maya was staring at him as if he had grown a second head. He could feel the blood pounding in his temples. He opened his mouth to protest, but the words caught in his throat. He looked down at Pip, suddenly aware of the absurdity of the situation.

He should have anticipated this. He should have known. He felt his cheeks grow warmer, and his throat close up. He felt the urge to put Pip down, to let him go, to just disappear. He didn't move. He continued to hold the guinea pig.