Gemotions

The tiny, yapping sound from the other room was like a dentist's drill grinding away at Chloe's sanity. She gripped the edge of the kitchen counter, her knuckles white. “No! Absolutely not!” she shrieked, her voice echoing in the small apartment. Her roommate, Emily, poked her head around the corner, a hopeful smile plastered on her face.

“It’s just a little puppy, Chloe. He’s adorable.” The cheerful words were like nails on a chalkboard. Chloe’s breath hitched in her throat, a wave of nausea washing over her.

“The walks! The training! The… the *smell*!” she spluttered, her face flushed and hot. She imagined endless walks in the rain, chewed-up shoes, and the constant fear of accidental… messes. The very idea made her want to crawl into a hole. She wanted it to stop.