Gemotions

It was the fifth time this week. The late-night party, spilling out from the neighbor's back patio, the laughter, the shouted conversations, the tinny sound of music. David buried his face in his hands, his back slumped. He had a big presentation at work tomorrow.

He could go over there, ask them to be quiet, but that would mean interrupting their fun. He saw the potential for a heated argument, the awkward silences that would follow. He knew, from experience, how much his peace of mind depended on other people's needs. He sighed and walked into his bedroom, slamming the door.