Gemotions

"They're so adorable!" The words sounded like a particularly annoying jingle looping in David's head. Michael, the source of the incessant refrain, was holding up a picture of a fluffy kitten, its image filling the small apartment. The thought of adding a creature to the already chaotic space sent a jolt of anxiety through him.

He pushed his glasses up his nose, a gesture he often made when he was uncomfortable. The constant chatter was relentless. The thought of having to clean up after a cat, of having to deal with its demands, was making his shoulders ache. "David," he finally said, his voice strained, "we have enough going on." He closed his eyes, and a wave of exhaustion washed over him.