Gemotions

A tremor ran through Liam’s jaw as the hammering began. He stared at his laptop screen, the words blurring. He'd just finished a crucial chapter, but the rhythmic thudding was making concentration impossible. He squeezed his eyes shut. It was as if they were doing it on purpose.

He slammed his laptop closed. He would not be deterred. He needed to prove he could still get his work done despite this noise. Liam marched to the front door, his footsteps heavy.

He found his neighbor, Mr. Henderson, perched precariously on a scaffold. "Morning, Mr. Henderson," Liam said, his voice clipped. He then asked, with an innocent smile, if he needed any help with the project. It would be a bit of a nuisance. But, he wanted to be neighborly.