Gemotions

The air in the apartment felt thick, stagnant. Sunlight beat down through the windows, but David remained huddled in the shadows of the living room. He’d barely moved from the worn armchair all day. A half-finished book lay open on his lap, unread for hours. The quiet was almost suffocating.

"So," Chloe began, her voice brimming with excitement, "I was thinking... a fish! A little aquarium, all the beautiful colours, and it's easy to take care of." She spread her arms wide, gesturing towards an imaginary tank. "What do you think?"

He blinked, the light making his eyes water. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture slow and deliberate. Caring for something felt like an enormous undertaking. He couldn’t even manage to tidy his own space, let alone look after another living thing. The idea sent a ripple of unease through him.

He offered a weak smile. "I don't know, Chloe. Maybe later."