Gemotions

The doorbell rang, and Leo jumped a foot. He knew it was his roommate, Max, with the “potential new member of the household." He pressed his back against the wall, trying to disappear.

Footsteps approached, and the door opened. Leo's breathing quickened. He focused on the patterns in the wallpaper, avoiding any eye contact.

Max held a small cardboard box. Inside, a fluffy ball of gray fur peeked out. The implications of this… another being dependent on him… another responsibility… made his head spin.

He retreated further into the shadows. The idea of having to care for something, to be *needed* in such a way, made his body feel like ice. He wanted to run, to disappear.