Gemotions

The clatter of dishes masked the muffled sob that escaped Liam. His roommate, Ethan, had steadfastly refused to allow a snake into the apartment. Ethan had cited the supposed "creepiness" of the animal. Liam was so disappointed.

He scrubbed furiously at a plate, the soap stinging his hands. He'd imagined the snake, a beautiful corn snake, its scales shimmering in the light, slowly moving through its enclosure. He would have cherished it. The empty apartment seemed to reflect the emptiness he felt.

He slumped against the kitchen counter, his body trembling. He wanted to scream, to lash out, to make Ethan understand the profound longing in his heart. Instead, he just stood there, the weight of the rejection settling like a stone in his chest.