Gemotions

The note, slipped under the door, was curt and condemning. "Excessive noise. Address the issue." The words swam before Maya's eyes. She crumpled the paper, her stomach churning. She rushed to the window, glancing at the empty street. It was late; the streetlights were casting long shadows.

She felt the prickling of goosebumps on her arms. Every single thing, the chirping of crickets, the rustle of leaves, everything now seemed menacing. The world felt wrong. She spent the next hour pacing, heart hammering against her ribs, listening for footsteps, for anything.