Gemotions

The slow rhythm of the spinning cycle of the washing machine was a pleasing drone to Clara as she hung her clean laundry on the clothes line. The world was quiet and still. She felt at ease, like a wave.

"I found the perfect little friend!" her roommate, Jessica, announced, holding up a cage with a hamster in it. "He will be so much fun!"

Clara took a long, steadying breath. "Jessica," she said, her voice gentle, "We barely have time to keep the apartment clean. This is not the right time." The feeling that she had been cherishing began to dissipate.