Gemotions

The argument had been brewing for days, a low thrum of discord that had finally reached a crescendo. Amelia felt a cold, clenching sensation in her gut as Ethan, her roommate, launched into another passionate plea for a snake.

"Think about it, Amelia! They're quiet, low-maintenance, fascinating creatures!" Ethan’s voice was too loud, too insistent.

Amelia's hands were clenched so tightly, the knuckles were white. "I… I just don't want to, Ethan." Her voice was a strained whisper. She knew she was being unreasonable, but the thought of a snake in their apartment made her skin crawl. Ethan sighed, a sound that cut into her like a knife. He turned away, and the room felt suddenly vast and empty.