Gemotions

"Could you, uh... keep it down?" He heard himself saying, his voice a strained whisper as he knocked on the neighbor's door. The music from next door was an assault on his senses, a constant reminder of the silence that filled his own home. He hadn’t felt a proper emotion in days.

The door opened, and a young woman with bright eyes and a wide smile greeted him. He couldn’t meet her gaze. He felt a wave of shame washing over him. What was he doing here? He felt exposed, vulnerable.

She apologized, her voice friendly. He mumbled something about it being late, about his need for some rest. He didn't tell her why sleep had become such a problem. He turned and walked back to his apartment, the music already fading slightly.