Gemotions

The silence of the apartment was suffocating. Every ticking clock, every creak of the floorboards, amplified the sense of… isolation. Maya found herself staring at the blank walls, the neutral décor reflecting her own blank state. She ran a hand through her hair, a gesture meant to soothe, but accomplishing nothing.

She'd been spending too much time by herself, the thought gnawed at her. She needed something to break the pattern. A warm, fuzzy creature seemed like a perfect start.

“Hey, Liam,” she said, trying to sound nonchalant. “What do you think about getting a bird?”

Liam, who was engrossed in his book, barely glanced up. “No way. Feathers everywhere. And the noise!” He shook his head, then went back to reading.

The silence that followed was heavy and oppressive, a tangible weight on her chest.