Gemotions

"A hamster? In this apartment?" Mark's tone was incredulous, and it made Ben want to scream. Ben felt a jolt of energy, a need to argue, to convince. The thought of the tiny creature, scurrying around in its cage, gave him a jolt of pleasure. "It's low-maintenance!" he countered.

He imagined the small, furry body in his hands, the soft fur. He wanted to nurture it, provide it with everything it needed. He felt a sudden, powerful need to act, to do something.

Mark remained firm, listing all the reasons why it was a bad idea: the noise, the smell, the potential for escaping.

Ben felt a surge of defiance. "It's just… something to care for." The words came out in a rush, a desperate plea to be understood. He clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to contain the restless energy bubbling beneath the surface.