Gemotions

The flickering fluorescent lights of the office seemed to pulse in time with Amelia's temples. She stared at the spreadsheet, numbers blurring before her tired eyes. Another late night. Another deadline looming. The thought of going home, to the chipped paint and overflowing laundry basket, was almost unbearable. Then, the phone rang. "Hello?" she croaked, her voice barely a whisper. Liam, her roommate, was already talking about adoption. A fluffy Samoyed. “It would be so therapeutic,” he chirped. Amelia just wanted to collapse.

She slumped onto the threadbare couch, the cushions offering little comfort. Liam was bouncing, literally, with excitement. She envisioned the dog hair, the walks in the rain, the incessant barking. All she wanted was silence, and a chance to sleep for twelve hours straight. “Maybe later, Liam?” she mumbled, the words heavy and slow. He didn't seem to notice. He just continued listing reasons why they needed a dog.

Later was never.