Gemotions

The shadows in the living room seemed to deepen, amplifying the silence. She’d been such a fool. She'd vetoed the idea of a dog, a golden retriever, because she’d convinced herself it was too much responsibility. Now, staring at the empty dog bed she saw in a store window, she felt a profound sense of anguish.

He, Mark, had wanted a dog so badly. She knew she'd hurt him. She remembered the way his face had fallen, the way his shoulders had slumped. Now, alone in the apartment, the absence of his usual banter weighed on her.

She picked up her phone, scrolling through pictures of golden retrievers. Each image was a fresh stab of guilt. She’d been overly practical, focused on the potential inconvenience, and in doing so, had denied them both something wonderful.