Gemotions

The constant hum of the refrigerator seemed to amplify in Elara’s ears, each whirring sound grating on her nerves. Across the kitchen table, Ben was drawing up a budget for the potential new pet – a hamster. His smile was wide, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Elara felt a wave of icy dread wash over her.

She picked at a loose thread on the tablecloth, her fingers trembling. The thought of a tiny, nocturnal creature, scurrying around their apartment, was making her claustrophobic. She found herself clenching her jaw, her teeth grinding together. “Maybe we can talk about this later?” she managed, her voice strained. Ben’s smile faltered, and the room seemed to shrink.