Gemotions

The evening air, thick with the scent of jasmine, wafted through the open window as Liam scrubbed at the stovetop, humming a tuneless melody. Across the small kitchen, Maya was mid-rant, her arms gesticulating wildly. She was vehemently opposed to his suggestion of getting a cat.

"Think of the hair!" she had exclaimed earlier, her voice rising with each syllable. Now, she was still going.

Liam rinsed the sponge slowly, not interrupting. He knew, from years of friendship, that Maya needed to air her feelings. Once her tirade ran its course, they could discuss the practicalities. The lease allowed pets; he'd already checked. He simply kept cleaning.