Gemotions

The flickering fluorescent lights in the kitchen hummed, a sound that grated against Leo’s ears. He slammed the cupboard door, the sound echoing in the small apartment. He fumbled with a coffee cup, hands clumsy, nearly dropping it. "Are you even listening?" Marco asked, leaning against the counter, a smug look on his face. Leo glared at him, the knot in his stomach tightening.

He scrubbed furiously at the stain on the counter, the abrasive cleaner stinging his skin. He didn’t want a cat. He didn’t have the time, the patience, or the…the desire. Marco’s insistent chirping about needing a companion was driving him crazy.

"It's just a little cat, Leo," Marco said softly, attempting a placating tone. Leo flinched. He spun around, bumping into the table. The coffee cup clattered to the floor, shattering. Leo just stared at the mess.