Gemotions

The sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. She’d just aced her final exam, a weight lifted from her shoulders. She wanted to celebrate, to share her elation with the world. She decided to bake a cake, blasting the radio to full volume while she mixed, whisked, and sang along.

A loud knock interrupted her baking frenzy. She knew it was Mr. Petrov, the grumpy old man from downstairs, even before she opened the door.

“The music is too loud,” he said, his voice gravelly. “I can’t hear myself think.” She felt a pang of guilt, but the feeling was quickly overridden by the feeling of pure bliss.