Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window as Finn watched Leo, his roommate, meticulously research exotic reptiles. The green glow of the laptop screen cast a sickly hue on Leo's face. Finn felt a pressure building in his temples, a tightening sensation that made him want to bolt.

“A crested gecko, Finn! Imagine!” Leo chirped, oblivious to the silence that had fallen over the living room. Finn’s gaze flickered to the overflowing laundry basket in the corner, a symbol of the chores he already struggled to keep up with.

He pictured another creature to feed, to clean up after, another demand on his already depleted energy. His stomach twisted. He mumbled something about needing to grab groceries and quickly excused himself, the screen's emerald light a lingering phantom on his retinas.