Gemotions

The rhythmic clatter of the construction next door was relentless. It started every morning at dawn, shaking the very foundations of her house. Maria, still groggy with sleep, buried her face in her pillow. Her head throbbed, and her mood soured.

She glanced at the clock. 7:00 AM. A quick surge of frustration, then exhaustion. Her husband, David, was already up, working from home. He would handle this. Always did. The thought brought some relief, but a small ache started in the pit of her stomach. She heard David arguing with the foreman, the rising and falling of his voice a gentle rhythm compared to the other noises. Maria closed her eyes, letting the sounds lull her back into a restless sleep.