Gemotions

The small, cluttered space of the apartment seemed to shrink with each passing hour. I sat on the edge of my bed, my legs drawn up to my chest. Across the room, Leo was cheerfully scrolling through pictures of puppies, his enthusiasm practically vibrating in the air. I felt suddenly cold, exposed.

He wanted a dog. I just couldn't imagine it, couldn't cope with the constant demands, the neediness, the unpredictable nature of an animal. I’d spent so long creating a safe, quiet haven for myself, and I felt the walls of that haven beginning to crumble. The blood rushed in my ears, making it hard to hear.

"Look at this one, he's perfect!" he exclaimed, pointing at the screen. I just stared at the floor. "I don't know, Leo," I managed, the words barely a whisper.