Gemotions

“Absolutely not, Jake. We agreed, no furry friends.” Anna folded her arms. Her face was a mask of coldness. The tiny hamster, scurrying frantically in its plastic cage, seemed to reflect Jake’s internal state. His face was a mask of despair.

He felt the prickling sensation behind his eyelids. He hated the way she looked at him right now. He had meticulously researched hamster breeds, prepared a detailed care schedule, and even chosen a cute name: Nibbles. None of that mattered.

He felt the weight of her disapproval settle on his shoulders like a lead blanket. He shuffled his feet, feeling his cheeks burn. He just wanted to vanish. He felt himself shrinking, becoming invisible in the face of her fury.