Gemotions

David leaned forward, peering at the tiny, fluffy puppy nestled in Emily’s arms. The puppy licked her face, making her giggle. He felt an odd hollowness, a disconcerting sense of detachment. He knew he'd agreed, in principle, to getting a dog. So why did he feel this sudden, irrational opposition?

He felt a vague discomfort, a growing sense of unrest he couldn't quite pinpoint. "But…a puppy?" he asked, his voice sounding distant, even to himself. He stood still as stone, his hands balled into fists. The innocent, playful gestures of the puppy seemed to mock him, making the tension in his chest worse.

Emily looked up at him, her smile faltering. He wanted to explain, to articulate the unease that churned inside him, but the words wouldn't come. He just felt...blocked. The cheerful atmosphere had gone.