Gemotions

The rhythmic click-clack of the keyboard filled her ears as she worked on a new writing project. The small apartment was arranged just how she liked it. The morning sun streamed in through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Time seemed to stop in this warm, comforting space.

A loud meow from the hallway startled her. “It’s purrfect! A cat, and it fits our apartment! She’s amazing,” her roommate, Emily, exclaimed as she showed her the cat. Emily continued her enthusiastic explanation.

She closed her eyes, and a slow, heavy feeling settled in her stomach. “Emily, we discussed this,” she said, her voice unusually tight. “Our lease forbids pets.”