Gemotions

He stared at the ground. Liam’s harsh dismissal still rang in his ears. "A dog, Alex? We're both hardly ever home!" His voice was a cruel, harsh sound that cut through the air. Alex felt his stomach twist, and a cold sweat trickled down his back.

He’d envisioned the dog, the walks, the companionship, the unconditional love. He’d dreamed of the happy face, the excited bark when he came home. Now, the dream was fading fast, replaced by a growing sense of dread. The small flat, usually a haven, suddenly felt stifling.

He felt a sudden, urgent need to escape. He fumbled for his keys, his hands trembling as he unlocked the door. “I… I’m going for a run,” he managed, his voice little more than a whisper. He stepped out into the busy street, the noise and the movement a desperate attempt to drown out the echoes of disappointment.