Gemotions

The tiny apartment felt like a pressure cooker. I kept replaying the conversation in my head. Maya, my roommate, adored the idea of a guinea pig. The thought of a small, furry creature constantly making noise filled me with dread.

I busied myself with washing dishes, scrubbing the same plate over and over. The metallic clang of the cutlery grated on my ears. My hands were shaking.

“It’ll be so cute!” Maya had chirped earlier, her eyes sparkling. I bit the inside of my cheek, desperately trying to formulate a polite refusal.

I glanced over at Maya. She was humming a happy tune, already picturing the cage and the tiny, fluffy occupant.