Gemotions

The gentle hum of the refrigerator was the loudest sound in the apartment. Sarah was knitting, the rhythmic click of the needles the only other sound. The sound from the party next door, a mix of raised voices and thudding bass, was becoming a physical pressure against her ears.

A sharp knock interrupted her work. It was Mr. Johnson, looking agitated. "The noise," he snapped, his voice tight. "It's outrageous!"

Sarah lowered her knitting, her fingers suddenly clumsy. "I'm sorry," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. Mr. Johnson continued to complain, but Sarah barely registered the words. She closed the door, the party sounds permeating. She picked up her knitting, but her heart wasn't in it.