Gemotions

He felt his hands clench into fists as he listened to Kevin. The argument had escalated, the air thick with unspoken resentment. "A parrot, David? Are you even serious? The noise! The mess! We agreed on no pets!" Kevin's voice was a harsh rasp, each word a blow. David sat frozen, the blood pounding in his ears.

He thought of the vibrant colours, the intelligence, the companionship that a parrot would offer. He'd envisioned the bird perched on his shoulder, learning new words, filling their apartment with life. That dream felt utterly unattainable now. He felt as if a cold vise was tightening around his chest, making it difficult to breathe.

He wanted to argue, to plead, but the words were trapped in his throat. He just wanted to disappear. "I… I'm going to work late," he said, his voice a low monotone. He gathered his things, his movements jerky and hurried, and he quickly left the apartment.