Gemotions

The ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway echoed in Ethan’s ears, each tick a hammer blow against his skull. He stared at the fish tank, suddenly finding the darting, silent movements of the guppies intensely unsettling. Sarah, bubbling with excitement, chattered about the potential for a new addition – a playful puppy.

He could feel his heart hammering against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the silence. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture more frantic than calming. The fish, usually a source of peace, now seemed to mirror his own inner turmoil. He cleared his throat. “I… I think we need to think this through,” he managed, his voice raspy. Sarah’s smile faltered, and the silence that followed was thick with unspoken words.