Gemotions

The key scraped in the lock, and Eleanor shoved the door open. The aroma of freshly baked cookies – a new, unwelcome addition to the apartment – hit her first. Her roommate, Sarah, beamed at her from the kitchen. A small, fluffy ball of white fur tumbled at her feet.

Eleanor stared. The dog – a tiny, yapping menace – immediately began to bark. Her head throbbed. This wasn't how she wanted to spend her evenings.

"Isn’t he adorable?" Sarah chirped, reaching down to scoop up the creature. Eleanor wanted to scream. Instead, she just turned and walked into her bedroom, the dog’s high-pitched yips following her.

The room, usually her sanctuary, felt stifling now. The soft glow of her fairy lights offered no comfort. She sank onto the bed, burying her face in the pillow.