Gemotions

The doorbell rang, and Amelia knew it was over. Across the living room, Liam was adjusting the cage; the hamster, Percy, ran on his wheel. Liam had finally, relentlessly, pushed her. She'd put up a fight, of course, but it was a fight she couldn't win.

She took a deep breath and opened the door. The pet store employee grinned, holding a small, cardboard box. Amelia's face was numb. Her stomach churned slightly. She had wanted to buy a new couch; that was now out of the question.

“Perfect timing!” Liam had chirped, running over to see. She closed her eyes. There was no point in protesting. The air seemed thick, the sunlight bright and oppressive. The tiny, trembling creature in the box, a fluffy Persian cat, would soon be her companion.