Gemotions

The hammering started before dawn, each thud a pulse against Amelia’s ribs. She’d been dreaming of cool water, a vast lake reflecting the moon, but the insistent rhythm yanked her back to consciousness. Annoyed, she threw off the covers, but as she walked to her window, she wasn't annoyed anymore. Sunlight spilled across the freshly turned earth next door, illuminating the bare back of Mr. Henderson. His work shirt strained across his broad shoulders as he swung the hammer, and the way the muscles in his arms bunched and released was… distracting. A bead of sweat traced a path down his neck, disappearing into the collar. Amelia found herself breathing shallowly, her hand instinctively reaching for the cool glass.