Gemotions

The scent of lavender candles usually soothed Finn, but tonight, it only heightened his agitation. He paced the living room, a restless lion in a cramped cage. The gentle crackle of the fireplace, a sound he normally loved, grated on his nerves. Chloe, his roommate, had been talking about getting a dog for days.

Each time she mentioned it, his chest clenched. He envisioned the muddy paw prints, the incessant barking, the utter disruption of his carefully curated routine. He hated the thought of his peace being shattered.

He clenched his fists, struggling to keep his voice steady when he eventually spoke. "Chloe, we've been over this," he started, his voice a low growl. His eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape.