Gemotions

The phone rang, a shrill interruption to his already strained nerves. He glared at it, as if it were the source of the noise. He let it ring, counting the seconds.

Finally, he picked it up, his voice tight. “Yes?”

It was Mrs. Gable, from the apartment across the hall. “Could you please…?” she began, her voice hesitant. He cut her off.

"I'm aware, Mrs. Gable." He knew what she was going to say. He knew she was suffering, too. He hung up and stood, his heart thudding, feeling both sympathy and resentment.