Gemotions

The pounding began just as Leo was about to finally relax. He’d spent all day perfecting the soufflé for his date. Now, the relentless sounds next door threatened to unravel everything. He slumped back against the counter, his carefully constructed evening now hanging in the balance.

He ran a hand through his hair, mussing it further. Every slam and crash was a physical manifestation of his unease, like a weight settling on his shoulders. He pictured the chaos, the dust, the disruption. He kept catching his breath, as if he couldn't get enough air.

He considered calling his date to reschedule. But that was out of the question. He'd been looking forward to this for weeks. He felt the familiar prickle of something close to panic rising in his chest.