Gemotions

The rhythmic thump of the bass from the party next door seemed to amplify the heat radiating from Leo’s skin. He’d been trying to relax, trying to focus on finishing the book he’d been reading all afternoon. A knock. His neighbor, Mr. Harrison, his face flushed and jovial, stood grinning at the door. "Lovely yard you have there," he boomed. "Perfect for a little garden, don't you think? I'd love to use a small section."

Leo’s hands clenched into fists, his nails digging into his palms. The thump of the bass grew into an incessant drumbeat. He wanted to shout, to tell Harrison to get off his property.

He took a deep breath. He hated confrontation. He told Mr. Harrison he would let him know. The door slammed against the frame, a stark punctuation to the end of his quiet afternoon.