Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the tempest brewing inside Ben. He watched Chloe meticulously arrange a miniature hamster habitat on the living room table. "He'll need a running wheel, obviously," she was saying, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "And a little house! And some of those adorable chew toys."

He crossed his arms, the action a subtle defense against this invasion of domesticity. The already limited space in their apartment, the constant need to clean up after themselves, and now – a creature requiring even MORE care? It felt like a recipe for a monumental headache.

“He's going to be so much work, Chloe,” Ben began, his tone tight. “Who’s going to clean the cage? And what about when we go away?” He felt a familiar knot forming in his gut. This felt like a very bad idea.

Chloe’s smile faltered. She picked up a small plastic water bottle for the hamster and began fiddling with the cap. The atmosphere in the room shifted, a chill descending between them.