Gemotions

She walked into the grocery store, her shoulders slumped. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, a persistent drone that mirrored the internal hum of… nothingness. Sarah felt a peculiar ache in her chest as she moved through the aisles. The endless variety of products felt overwhelming, each choice a reminder of the things she didn’t have, the connections she lacked.

Her gaze landed on a couple, giggling as they debated over which brand of cereal to buy. A sharp pang resonated within her.

Back in the apartment, the silence pressed down on her. The absence of chatter, the lack of a warm presence, it settled over her like a heavy blanket. She thought of a small, yipping dog, something to break the monotony.

“I was thinking, maybe a dog?” she ventured, forcing a casual tone as she addressed her roommate, Liam.

Liam barely looked up from his phone. "Too much responsibility, Sarah. Besides, who'd walk it?" His voice was dismissive. The words felt like a physical blow.