Gemotions

Her stomach lurched. The idea of an iguana slithering around the apartment was like a punch to the gut. The thought sent a chill racing down her spine. "I... I can't," she whispered, her voice trembling. Mark was already looking up reptile-care guides. The very suggestion felt like a personal betrayal.

The image of that scaly, cold creature, the potential for escape, the sheer strangeness of it all… it made her feel claustrophobic. She felt suddenly very lightheaded. Her hands trembled. The walls were closing in, the air was thin. She needed to sit down. She had to talk him out of it.

She took a shaky step back.