Gemotions

The incessant buzzing of the power saw sliced through the quiet afternoon. John was trying to read, but the vibrations seemed to burrow into his skull. He slapped the book closed, the sound echoing in the sudden silence.

He imagined the neighbor, Mr. Davis, meticulously measuring, cutting, and hammering. John closed his eyes and imagined himself in the exact spot of Mr. Davis. His hands instinctively clenched into fists.

He wanted to scream. Instead, he made a quick phone call to his boss, saying he was going to be late. He really wanted to go to the hardware store for some earplugs.