Gemotions

Eliza surveyed the hamster cage, a elaborate construction of tunnels and wheels that had replaced the minimalist bookshelf. She blinked, her jaw tight. A small, furry creature zoomed around on a wheel, creating a blur of movement.

Her roommate, Chloe, was beaming, her eyes bright with excitement. "He's so cute, right? He's called Professor Nibbles!"

Eliza clenched her fists, her knuckles white. She had been clear about her aversion to rodents. A cold wave swept over her. She felt a chill, despite the heat of the apartment. She was struggling to catch her breath. What had driven Chloe to make such a drastic decision without any discussion?

She moved around the apartment, but she couldn't seem to find an explanation for the presence of the hamster. She was lost, feeling as if she had been transported to an alien planet.