Gemotions

“Could you keep it down? Please?” Mark’s voice cracked as he spoke, his throat feeling constricted. The incessant barking from next door had been ongoing for over an hour now. He'd just settled into his favourite armchair, finally ready to relax after a brutal day at work, and the cacophony was just too much. He ran a hand through his already messy hair, feeling the strands pulling at his scalp. He felt a throbbing headache blooming behind his eyes, a sure sign of stress. He had to say something, but his voice felt thin and fragile.