Gemotions

The relentless drumming from the upstairs neighbor felt like a physical weight, pressing down on her chest. Each bass thud echoed in her ribcage, a constant reminder of the hollow space where joy used to reside. She wandered through the apartment, bumping into furniture, her movements clumsy and disconnected.

She had spent the day trying to distract herself. She’d attempted to read, but the words blurred before her eyes. She tried to watch television, but the images flickered meaninglessly. The noise was unbearable.

She found herself standing in front of her door, her hand hovering over the handle. She was tempted to go outside, do anything to escape the music. But what was the point? There was nowhere to go that could provide any reprieve. She sank to the floor, resting her back against the door, the music a cruel, mocking soundtrack to her solitude.