Gemotions

He stared at the goldfish bowl he'd hidden in the cupboard. He was an idiot. He understood it. He'd been so dismissive of Chloe's enthusiasm for a pet. He'd mocked the idea of a "useless" fish. Now, the apartment felt cold, the silence a constant reminder of his thoughtlessness.

He remembered the way Chloe’s face had crumpled when he'd dismissed her suggestion. He recalled her asking again. He'd refused, and now, the regret burned in his chest. He didn't know why he'd been so difficult. He hadn't ever been like that before.

He carefully took the bowl from the cupboard. He hoped, against all reason, that Chloe hadn’t completely given up on the idea. He knew he had. He’d been the one to ruin it.