Gemotions

The apartment, usually a haven of relative peace, felt like a crowded, noisy market. Leo felt every muscle in his body ache. He wanted to collapse. His roommate, Maya, was practically vibrating with excitement, holding a pamphlet about adopting a rescue bird. He just wanted to sink into the sofa and not have to think. The idea of bird poop, of cleaning a cage, of a constant chirping…he wanted to escape. He looked at her, his eyes blank, and managed a weak, "Maybe later, Maya?"