Gemotions

Maya paced the length of their small apartment, her bare feet slapping against the hardwood floor. The city hummed just outside their window, a constant, low thrum that usually soothed her, but tonight it only amplified the agitated energy buzzing through her. She ran a hand through her already messy bun, a nervous habit she’d picked up lately. “I just think it would be good for us,” she said, her voice tight, directed at Liam, who was engrossed in a video game.

He grunted in response, his eyes glued to the screen. The flickering light cast dancing shadows on his face. Maya sighed, the air catching in her throat. She needed something. Something to fill the hollow ache that had been growing inside her. A pet.

"Think about it," she continued, her voice rising in pitch. "Someone to be here. Someone to take care of." She needed something to feel connected to, something to give her focus. Liam finally turned, his expression unreadable. "Absolutely not, Maya. We've talked about this. I'm allergic. End of discussion."