Gemotions

The thumping bass vibrated through the floorboards, making Sarah’s teeth ache. She sighed, her shoulders slumping. It was past midnight. Again. She’d been trying to read, but the words swam on the page, blurred by the incessant rhythm. She knew she should say something, but the thought sent a jolt of anxiety through her.

Her palms began to sweat as she imagined knocking on Mr. Henderson’s door. He was always so gruff, his face a permanent scowl. She pictured his reaction, his voice a low growl of annoyance. “Can’t you just deal with it?” He’d say. The thought made her swallow hard. She felt a knot tighten in her stomach. Instead, she turned off her lamp and pulled the covers over her head, wishing the noise would just… stop.