Gemotions

The hammering percussion was relentless, each beat a punch to Elena's gut. She was trying to write a letter, but the vibrations made the paper tremble. It came from the apartment below, occupied by a struggling single mother.

She thought of the woman, working hard to provide for her children. She knew, from past experience, how difficult it could be.

Elena put down her pen, walked over to her door, and sighed. The noise grew louder with each step she took down the staircase.

She knocked on the door and waited. The door opened and the woman, tired and with dark circles under her eyes, looked at Elena with surprise.

“Hi,” Elena said quietly. “I’m Elena from upstairs. Is it possible to maybe turn the music down a little? I'm trying to concentrate, but it is rather loud."

The woman's face crumpled. “Oh, I am so sorry. My son is having a tantrum, so I put on some loud music to try to distract him. I am so sorry!"

Elena smiled gently. “It’s fine. I understand. Just… maybe a little less volume?”