Gemotions

The noise of the city, usually a background hum, felt like a painful assault on Finn’s senses. He sat slumped in a chair, watching as his roommate, Oliver, paced back and forth, buzzing with excitement. Oliver was a bright light, a beacon of enthusiasm, and Finn felt dim in comparison.

Oliver stopped pacing, his eyes alight. “I saw a beautiful iguana! Wouldn’t it be cool to get one?”

Finn’s shoulders slumped. His brain struggled to form a coherent response. The idea of a reptile, of feeding it, of maintaining its environment, felt like an unbearable burden. “I don’t know, Oliver,” he finally managed, his voice flat.

Oliver's smile wavered. "Come on! It'd be great!"

Finn just shook his head, unable to explain the oppressive weight that seemed to be holding him down.