Gemotions

The incessant barking had begun at dawn, a persistent, yapping symphony of canine chaos. Reginald's hands curled into fists as he listened from his bedroom. He had tried earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, even a white noise machine, but nothing could shut out the wretched sound.

He finally yanked open his front door, the screen door slamming behind him. The offending dog, a scruffy terrier mix, yipped excitedly at him from the neighbor's yard. Reginald’s gaze narrowed, fixing on the oblivious woman who was casually throwing a ball.

"That's enough," he snapped, his voice tight. He felt a throbbing ache behind his eyes. He wished he could just make it stop.