Gemotions

The dog, of course, chose that exact moment to start barking. She could feel the tension building in her neck, a knot of pure frustration. The typed words on the small, pink slip – "Please keep the noise down" – were a festering wound on her already fractured tranquility.

She grabbed the dog's leash, her movements abrupt. She needed to get out.

She pulled the door open, practically wrenching it from the hinges. The woman from next door was standing in her doorway, a look of smug satisfaction playing on her lips. She wanted to scream.

She pushed past, ignoring the muttered complaints, and headed for the park.