Gemotions

It was the tapping, at first. A rhythmic, insistent tapping that echoed through the thin walls. Then came the shout. "Turn it down!" The voice was muffled, but the message was clear. Alex’s stomach dropped.

He rushed to the stereo, fumbling with the volume control. His fingers felt clumsy, his movements jerky. He switched the music off completely. The silence that followed was deafening.

He stood frozen, listening for further complaints. The apartment suddenly seemed to shrink around him, the walls pressing in. He felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead, his breath coming in short, shallow gasps. He imagined the judgmental eyes of his neighbors.