Gemotions

He felt like he could run a marathon, a feeling of happiness and resolve building inside him. The world seemed sharper, brighter. He knew he could get Alex to agree to his plan. He would adopt a pair of gerbils. They would bring life to their dull apartment.

He burst into the apartment, practically vibrating. "Alex! I have an amazing idea!"

Alex, already seated on the sofa, didn't look up from his book. "What now, Ben?"

"We're getting gerbils!" he announced, his voice bubbling with glee. "Tiny, furry, playful gerbils! We can build them a whole habitat!"

Alex finally lowered his book, his expression unreadable. "Gerbils? Ben, you know I don't like rodents."

He started pacing, unable to contain his enthusiasm. "But they're so cute! They're active! We can watch them run on their wheel! We can give them seeds!" He clenched his fists in excitement. "It will be fantastic!"