Gemotions

“A chameleon, Liam! Can you believe it?” Finn practically vibrated with anticipation, pacing in the living room. Liam sat on the floor, surrounded by books, a sense of quiet dread enveloping him. The apartment, usually a haven, now felt like a prison cell. He glanced at the window, longing for the open expanse outside.

“It's a lot of responsibility, Finn,” he managed, his voice strained. He pictured the elaborate terrarium, the constant temperature control, the meticulous feeding schedule. He felt the phantom weight of expectations on him. He felt as if his very breath was being monitored.

He closed his eyes, the pressure in his chest building. He knew, with a certainty that settled in his bones, that there was no way out.