Gemotions

The music thrummed through her, a pulsing current. Clara couldn't help but tap her foot to the beat as she loaded the dishwasher, her movements quick and efficient. She’d spent the whole morning cleaning, everything now reflecting the glow of the freshly polished surfaces.

"A hamster?" her roommate, Ben, asked, his voice flat. He was slumped on the sofa, scrolling through his phone. "Really? What's the point? They just run in circles."

Clara whirled around, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "But the *miniature* joy! The tiny claws scratching the shavings, the little squeaks! Think of all the cute Instagram posts." She pictured it. Perfect.