Gemotions

The soft glow of the aquarium lights was the only illumination. He stared at the fish, their silent movements a stark contrast to the buzzing in his head. "Fish?" he managed, his voice sounding distant, even to his own ears. Across the room, Emily was meticulously arranging plastic plants.

He felt a sudden, overwhelming pressure in his chest. The thought of the constant care, the potential for disease, the limitations it would place on their already small space – it felt like a crushing weight. He felt a deep, instinctive urge to pull away, to put distance between himself and the aquarium. He moved to the window, the cool glass pressing against his forehead.

"They're peaceful," she said, her voice gentle. But all he could feel was the mounting tension, the tightening of his muscles.