Gemotions

The apartment felt too small, the walls closing in. Across the room, Sam was talking about adopting a bird. John ran a hand over his face, as if to wipe away the pressure he felt building up.

He imagined the constant chirping, the potential mess, the need for constant cleaning and care. He pictured the bird flying free, maybe escaping, something he would be responsible for. The feeling was a tight knot in his stomach. He was having difficulty breathing.

He kept glancing at the window. He needed space, the air.