Gemotions

The empty space on the kitchen counter felt vast, a constant reminder. Liam kicked himself. He should've considered Amelia's feelings. He'd been so quick to shoot down the idea of a kitten, citing allergies and the extra work. Now, watching her clean, the usual cheerful hum absent, a knot tightened in his gut.

He sat at the kitchen table, the half-eaten sandwich in front of him suddenly unappetizing. He thought of the fluffy ginger kitten Amelia had showed him a picture of. He’d been so dismissive, so focused on his own preferences. He’d treated her dream with a kind of nonchalant cruelty that now felt abhorrent.

He wanted to undo it, to rewind the conversation and change his response. He wanted to make amends, but the words, the right words, seemed to elude him. He pictured Amelia's face. He knew he'd messed up. He knew he'd really messed up.