Gemotions

He hadn't been sleeping well since the discussion started. Alex tossed and turned in bed, replaying the conversation with his roommate, Sam, in his head. The thought of a pet… a creature dependent on him… was making him feel ill.

The shadows in his bedroom seemed to stretch and twist, taking on menacing shapes. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the images. The constant *need* of a living being filled him with a cold dread. He couldn’t shake the feeling of being overwhelmed.

He fumbled for his phone, the luminous screen momentarily blinding him. He stared at the ceiling, unable to find comfort anywhere. He felt utterly and completely exposed, vulnerable to something he couldn't control.