Gemotions

The sudden, sharp pain in her jaw was a familiar visitor. She’d been clenching her teeth again, a habit she'd developed during periods of acute pressure. The thought of arguing with Leo, of trying to convince him that a goldfish was a reasonable compromise, made the ache worse. She imagined him shaking his head, his arms crossed, the stubborn set of his jaw.

The apartment, already cluttered with their combined belongings, seemed to close in around her. The air felt thick, heavy. She moved from room to room, unable to settle. Finding herself back in the kitchen, she mindlessly began to scrub at the already spotless counter, the repetitive motion the only thing offering a semblance of control.

"He's being ridiculous," she hissed under her breath.