Gemotions

A tightening in Elias' chest constricted him as he listened to Chloe's exuberant plans. The new kitten, Mittens, would solve everything – loneliness, the drabness of the apartment, the lack of fun. He, meanwhile, felt like the apartment itself, grey and overlooked.

He avoided Chloe's gaze, pretending to be engrossed in the crossword puzzle, even though he couldn't seem to focus on the clues. Every time Chloe spoke, he felt a sting of something akin to shame. He could barely take care of himself, let alone another living thing.

He knew she would be happy with the kitten, and in that happiness, he was invisible. He wished he could feel joy about it, but a deep ache throbbed inside him, an emptiness that seemed to echo in the hollow spaces of his own life.