Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the pet store assaulted Elara's senses. Her roommate, Ben, was already lost amongst the rows of cages, his face lit up with an almost childish glee at the prospect of a parrot. Elara felt a deep unease.

She imagined the squawks, the mess, the constant need for attention. Her shoulders slumped. Her gaze drifted toward the exit, a distant promise of escape.

She felt suffocated by the vibrant energy around her. She was already juggling a demanding job and a mountain of personal issues. The idea of taking on even more felt completely, utterly unbearable.