Gemotions

The scent of stale coffee hung in the air, a reminder of the late nights he spent working, alone, since Maya moved out. He’d been so quick to dismiss her suggestion of a hamster. A hamster, he thought at the time, was a waste of space. An inconvenience. Now, he replayed the conversation in his mind, his words sharp and dismissive.

He stared at the empty cage, the plastic water bottle untouched. The quietness felt oppressive. He had justified his position by saying he didn't have time. Now, the hours stretched endlessly before him. The apartment felt vast and echoing, a stark contrast to the lively presence the hamster would have brought.

He ran his hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn't noticed he had adopted. The feeling in his chest intensified as he looked around at the cold, empty room.