Gemotions

The scent of stale pizza and unwashed laundry clung to the air, highlighting the unkempt state of their apartment. Zara, huddled on the sofa with a blanket, kept casting furtive glances at Liam. He was pacing back and forth, muttering about allergies and the cost of vet bills.

Zara felt a tightening in her chest. She remembered how, as a child, she had always wanted a dog. Now, it was her roommate's lifelong dream to have a cat.

She knew Liam was stressed about money, about his studies, about everything. She knew he had a point.

"Look, maybe we could look at the less expensive cats," she suggested, her voice barely a whisper. She hated the way her own voice felt, like it was betraying her. She felt like she was betraying both her roommate's happiness and her own.

Liam stopped pacing. His face softened slightly. "I just... I don't want you to be disappointed either."