Gemotions

The persistent drip, drip, drip from the leaky faucet mirrored the slow, steady building of frustration inside him. He was trying to enjoy the silence, a rare luxury in his hectic life. A sudden banging on the door destroyed any remaining peace.

It was Karen, her face flushed with excitement. “Hi, Mr. Olsen! I was thinking, could I borrow some space for a little garden of my own? It would be so lovely!”

He felt a tightness in his chest. He didn’t want company, he didn’t want noise, he just wanted to be left alone. He swallowed hard and opened his mouth, but only a strangled sound escaped.