Gemotions

“Come on, don’t you think she’s sweet?” Jake asked, as he stroked the fluffy head of the tiny kitten. His eyes pleaded for her approval, and she knew she couldn’t meet them. She’d specifically told him, no pets. Her allergies were too severe. She felt trapped.

She swallowed hard, trying to keep her voice level. “She’s… very… fluffy.” Her throat tightened. She imagined the sneezing fits, the itchy eyes. She felt exposed, vulnerable, her carefully constructed arguments now rendered useless.