Gemotions

The fish tank, gleaming and empty, mocked James. He’d already purchased the filter, the gravel, the decorative plants. He'd even researched the perfect breed of Betta fish, a stunning iridescent male with flowing fins.

He'd spent hours imagining it, a miniature aquatic paradise right in their living room.

When Michael walked in, James was meticulously arranging the pebbles. “What’s this about?” Michael asked, raising an eyebrow.

James jumped, nearly dropping a handful of gravel. “Oh, hey. Just…tidying up.” He tried for a casual tone, but his voice cracked slightly.

Michael surveyed the setup with a critical eye. “You know I hate fish, right? They’re boring and…smelly.”

James felt a wave of disappointment wash over him. The vibrant colours he'd dreamt of seemed to dull. The shimmering water in his mind’s eye clouded over. He suddenly wished he'd been more careful.