Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee usually invigorated Sarah. Today, the scent just swirled around her, a pleasant reminder of something she couldn't bring herself to care about. She sat at the kitchen table, staring at the swirling patterns in the countertop, the morning light doing nothing to lift her spirits.

Across the table, Emily beamed. "Guess what? I've been thinking, and I really want a pet. Maybe a hamster? Or a guinea pig? Something small and easy." She clasped her hands together, eyes alight with enthusiasm.

Sarah took a deep breath, the caffeine doing little to jolt her system. “I don’t know, Emily. I just…” She trailed off, unable to articulate the heavy weight that had settled on her. The prospect of even the smallest responsibility felt overwhelming.

Emily’s smile faltered. “You’re not thrilled about it, are you?” she asked gently.

“It just seems like a lot of work,” Sarah said finally, the words heavy with a fatigue that went beyond sleepiness.