Gemotions

The silence in the cramped studio apartment felt brittle, as if it would shatter at any moment. Sam sat on the edge of the bed, his back rigid. He stared at Leo, who stood by the window, arms crossed. "A snake, Sam? Seriously? I'm already allergic to everything."

He swallowed hard, the muscles in his throat constricting. He could feel a tremor in his hands, a faint buzz running through his veins. He wished Leo would just listen.

“I… I’ve researched it,” he stammered, his voice barely audible. "They're hypoallergenic, they're quiet…" But Leo's expression remained unchanged, a closed door to his plea.