Gemotions

"It’s not fair," Mark mumbled, kicking a stray pebble across the cracked pavement. Sarah wanted a dog. He knew he was being difficult. This was how he always was – a master of finding fault, a champion of resistance. *Why can't you just say yes?* The unspoken criticism hung heavy in the air between them.

He shoved his hands deep into his pockets, avoiding Sarah's eyes. The park, usually a source of comfort, felt accusatory, filled with happy families walking their dogs. The golden retriever bounding toward them was the final straw. He visibly tensed.

He knew she was waiting for him to relent, for the stony expression to soften. He knew his hesitation was tearing them apart, but he couldn't seem to stop himself. He took a shaky breath, the cool air doing nothing to settle the knot in his stomach.