Gemotions

The caterwauling of the stray cats fighting outside was piercing. John winced, pulling the covers higher. He’d been trying to concentrate on his work, but the yowling was making it impossible. He needed to get these spreadsheets finished by morning.

He could go outside and shoo them away, maybe even try to talk to the property owner about getting rid of the cats. He felt the familiar weight settle on his chest, a feeling of inadequacy. He never liked conflict, especially confrontation with his neighbor. He would just try to ignore it. The thought did nothing to make the noise go away. With a sigh, he reached for his noise-canceling headphones.