Gemotions

Sarah sighed, pulling the covers tighter. The incessant buzz of a circular saw vibrated through the floorboards. Across the street, the Millers were gutting their bathroom. She could almost feel the chill of the morning air, the grit of dust swirling around them.

She remembered her own disastrous bathroom renovation, a year ago. The plumbing issues, the unexpected costs, the sheer exhaustion. She pictured Mrs. Miller, always so organized, now surrounded by chaos. An unwelcome tremor went through her.

After breakfast, she found herself walking over, a basket in hand. Inside, a thermos of coffee, some homemade muffins, and a bag of ice to soothe their aching backs. "Just in case you need a break," she mumbled, avoiding Mrs. Miller's eyes.