Gemotions

The crisp autumn air bit at her cheeks as she sat on the park bench. The list, damp from her tears, trembled in her hand. "Adopt a puppy." The memory of him begging her, his eyes shining with eagerness, twisted in her gut. She’d said no, citing her busy schedule, the mess, the responsibility.

Now, the apartment was too quiet, too empty. The silence was a physical presence, a constant reminder of the life they didn't share. She imagined the tiny paw prints she would have happily cleaned.

She closed her eyes, picturing the dog, the playful energy he would have brought. The thought brought more ache and she sat for a long time.