Gemotions

The vibrant, chirping cacophony hit Chloe like a physical blow. Her roommate, Olivia, had brought home a pair of budgies. The small apartment already felt cramped, but now, with the incessant tweeting, it was unbearable.

Chloe’s shoulders slumped. She wanted to scream. She had to remain calm. She walked into the kitchen, grabbed a cup, and began pouring herself a glass of water, her movements unusually jerky.

"Olivia," she said, her voice trembling slightly, "Do you even realize how loud they are?"

Olivia just smiled, scooping birdseed into a tiny bowl.