Gemotions

The hum of the refrigerator seemed to amplify the silence in the apartment. Across the small living room, Mark was practically vibrating with excitement, describing the antics of a new pet ferret. He wanted to fill the quiet; she didn't. She needed the silence, to gather what little energy she had left.

She ran a hand over her face, feeling the grit of exhaustion on her skin. The thought of the added responsibility, the noise, the potential for mess… it was all overwhelming. The apartment felt suffocating, the walls closing in.

"Can we talk about this later?" she finally asked, her voice cracking slightly. Mark’s enthusiasm deflated, and the silence returned, heavier than before.