Gemotions

The empty birdcage sat in the corner of the kitchen, a monument to his stubbornness. He’d shut down Anna's suggestion of a canary with a curt “No, too messy.” He’d been concerned about the noise, the feathers, the extra cleaning. He had wanted, above all else, to keep things simple.

Now, the kitchen felt lifeless. He missed the idea of the cheerful chirping, the flash of yellow feathers, the life that a small pet would bring to the space. He ran his hand over the smooth metal bars of the cage, a pang hitting him.

He pictured Anna's face, the disappointment masked behind a forced smile. He had failed to see how much it would have meant to her. The thought sent a jolt of discomfort through him.