Gemotions

The constant drumming of her foot against the floor was the only sound in the apartment. Inside, the silence was deafening. Across the coffee table, Alex was beaming, having just shown her pictures of a kitten with an absolutely enormous pair of ears. Laura's hands felt clammy.

She ran a hand through her hair, smoothing down the stray strands. The thought of responsibility, the unwavering neediness, it all felt too much. She envisioned late-night vet visits, unexpected illnesses, the unpredictable costs. She imagined a complete upheaval of her life.

She needed to get out of this situation, but she couldn't find the right words, couldn't find her voice. Her chest felt constricted.