Gemotions

The constant noise of the city outside seemed to amplify, the sounds of traffic and sirens echoing in her head. Olivia sat at the kitchen table, her head resting on her arms. Her roommate, Sam, came bursting in, carrying a small, colorful birdcage.

"A parakeet! Isn't he cute?" Sam practically vibrated with excitement. Olivia felt a wave of despair wash over her. The thought of the mess, the noise, the responsibility of another living creature was almost too much to bear.

"Sam... no," she mumbled, her voice muffled by her arms. The thought of cleaning the cage, of feeding the bird, of having to listen to the constant chirping, it all felt exhausting.

"But he'll make us happy!" Sam said. Olivia just wanted to be still, to escape from the overwhelming demands of the world. Her limbs felt heavy, her vision blurring.