Gemotions

He felt a familiar heat rising in his chest. That infernal, repetitive bass thrummed through the floorboards, making his teeth ache. He'd tried earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, even stuffing cotton wool into his ears. Nothing worked. The vibrations felt like a physical assault.

The throbbing in his temples intensified. He tossed the book he was attempting to read onto the floor. The cover, a serene landscape, seemed to taunt him. He balled his fists, the muscles in his forearms bunching tight. This had to stop.

He considered calling the authorities, but the thought brought a new wave of frustration. The paperwork, the phone calls, the potential for an even more drawn-out battle. He clenched his jaw, then turned and began to pace.