Gemotions

“The allergies!” David’s voice was high-pitched, almost squeaking with the force of his emotions. He was pacing the length of the hallway, clutching his chest as though he were trying to hold his heart in place. His breaths were short and shallow.

His roommate, Leo, sat on the couch, stroking the head of the fluffy dog. “David, it's hypoallergenic.” David's response was a loud, unconvincing scoff.

"The… the fur! The dander! The… the *sneezing*!" he stammered, feeling a physical pressure building behind his eyes. He pictured himself perpetually congested, his life consumed by sniffles and tissues. He felt trapped. He needed to be away from this.