Gemotions

"See?" Ben said, his voice laced with a subtle thrill. He gestured towards the empty space beside the refrigerator. He had orchestrated the entire scenario. It was his suggestion that the landlord was going to raise the rent if they didn't do something to improve the place.

Sarah had been relentless. "A hamster! A hamster, Ben! Think of the joy!" But she was a sucker for a bargain.

He hadn't had to do anything really. They'd both realized the futility. A small wave of warmth spread through him. The landlord's fabricated threat was a masterpiece. He had convinced them both that they needed to find a solution. He could almost feel the weight of the victory in his chest.

“I’m going to grab a beer,” he announced, the tremor in his voice almost undetectable. He walked into the kitchen, humming a little tune. He had been right. It felt wonderful.