Gemotions

The constant noise gnawed at Clara's nerves. She started biting her nails, something she hadn't done in years. She couldn’t concentrate on her work. Her usual optimism dissolved.

She found herself becoming increasingly irritable. She snapped at her children. She argued with her husband. The smallest thing would set her off.

She kept the television on, the volume turned up, as if the white noise could somehow protect her. The thought of confronting the neighbors filled her with a sense of dread. She felt trapped.