Gemotions

The apartment felt like a tomb. Sunlight streamed through the blinds, painting stripes across the dust motes dancing in the air, but Maya didn't even register it. She stared at the ceiling, the popcorn texture a meaningless landscape. The cereal bowl sat on the coffee table, half-eaten and cold, a testament to her inability to commit to even a simple task.

Liam bounced into the room, a whirlwind of energy. “Hey! I’ve been researching. We should get a dog. A golden retriever!” He grinned, already picturing it. Maya barely acknowledged him, just grunting in response.

"Come on, Maya. It would be good for both of us! Get us out more, give us something to focus on besides...this." He gestured vaguely at the apartment. She didn’t meet his gaze, instead picking at a loose thread on the sofa. "A dog would be a great idea. I’ll do all the work, I promise." His voice held a note of desperation.

She finally turned, her voice flat. "I don't care." The words felt hollow, echoing the emptiness inside her.