Gemotions

Her fingers fumbled with the locks as she unlocked the apartment door. Inside, the usual scent of stale air and instant noodles hit her. Liam was sprawled on the couch, laptop balanced precariously on his stomach, headphones blasting music. "A dog?" she repeated, her voice thin. The audacity of it! He hadn’t even consulted her. A wave of anxiety washed over her, making her palms feel clammy.

He pulled off an earbud, a smirk playing on his lips. "Yeah, buddy. A golden retriever. Think of it, walks in the park, cuddling on the couch..." She could barely breathe. The thought of fur, shedding, the constant need for attention – it felt overwhelming, like a physical weight pressing down on her chest.

She went to the bedroom, closing the door a little too hard. The image of the dog, slobbering and bounding, filled her mind. She paced the small room, the space seeming to shrink with every step. Why had he done this? Why hadn't he even asked?