Gemotions

The fish tank bubbled, a silent mockery of Emily’s enthusiasm. "They're so calming!" she'd declared, eyes sparkling. Now, two weeks later, she was clearly starting to regret it.

"Did you remember to feed them?" Ben asked, casually adjusting his tie. The apartment was as pristine as ever.

Emily sighed, fiddling with the fish food container. "Yes, Ben. Every morning."

"Good," he said, turning back to his crossword puzzle. He felt a gentle lift of his lips. "Because, you know, they really *do* need to be fed regularly." It was a subtle enjoyment that he didn’t quite understand himself, but the silence, the unblemished walls, were becoming more comforting.