Gemotions

The scent of lavender, usually soothing, seemed to intensify, making her stomach churn. Sarah watched Liam meticulously clean the already spotless living room. He wanted a chinchilla, a creature that supposedly needed a specialized environment.

She picked at a loose thread on the sofa, her fingers fumbling with the fabric. The thought of the added responsibility, the careful temperature control, the specific diet, made her feel as though she were drowning.

Liam looked up, meeting her gaze. "It'll be good for us," he said, his voice earnest. The words felt like a direct challenge.

She forced a weak smile. Her palms were damp, and her breathing quickened, as if she were running a race.