Gemotions

"Think of the fur," Emily said, her voice laced with weary patience. Mark countered, listing all the ways a cat would impact their lives, from the food costs to the occasional vomit. Each word felt like a personal insult to Ben. He felt a flush creep up his neck. A pet would add a sense of life to the apartment.

The image of a soft, purring presence curled on the couch filled his mind, a beacon of pure comfort. He gripped the edge of the kitchen counter. "It's… it's not just fur, Mark. It's… companionship." His voice seemed a little too loud in the quiet room. He had to convince Mark.

He imagined the quiet evenings, the gentle companionship, the feeling of something depending on him. He felt a tremor in his hands, a need to run, to create, to… something.

Mark remained stubbornly unconvinced. The thought of a cat filled his brain with the details he needed to provide to make his point. "We have to be realistic, Ben. It's impractical."

Ben's jaw tightened. "We're not talking about rocket science here." He felt his heart rate pick up. He wanted to scream.