Gemotions

The relentless beat was a physical presence, pressing against Daniel's ribs. He could feel his own pulse echoing the rhythm. It had been going on for hours. It was coming from the house next door, recently occupied by a family with three teenage children.

He sighed, remembering the tumultuous noise of his own youth.

He walked over to the house, the noise amplifying with each step. He knocked on the door, steeling himself.

The father opened the door, a look of exasperation on his face. “Yes?”

Daniel took a breath. “Hi, I'm Daniel, your neighbor. The music… is it possible to turn it down a little? My wife is trying to sleep.”

The father ran a hand through his hair. "I've asked them, mate. They're just… teenagers, you know?"

Daniel nodded. "I know." He felt a sense of relief wash over him.

The father called out to his children. Daniel waited, watching. The music began to fade.