Gemotions

The air crackled with unspoken tension. Sarah stared at the empty fish tank in the corner of the room, a chill creeping up her spine. Her stomach lurched, and her vision swam for a moment. "No, Emily," she found herself saying, her voice strained and thin, "I don't think a fish is a good idea."

Emily, her face flushed with excitement, had been so sure. Sarah had envisioned the gentle sway of the plants, the flash of colorful scales, the tranquil presence in their otherwise hectic apartment. Now that dream was shattered. The thought of this conflict, of disappointing Emily, made her feel as though the world was tilting.

The room seemed to shrink, the colorful posters on the wall suddenly too vibrant, the sunlight streaming through the window too bright. Sarah needed to get away, to regroup. She felt a sudden urge to flee. "I… I need to go to the store," she managed, her voice trembling.