Gemotions

The drilling from the construction site next door was an endless torment. The vibrations shook the walls of his apartment. The sound waves were a constant, brutal assault on his eardrums. He wanted to scream. He was going to scream.

A sharp, authoritative rapping on his door, followed by a curt, "Open up!" He felt a cold dread wash over him. He took a deep, shaky breath and opened the door. His neighbor, Mr. Petrov, stood there, his face contorted in anger. "The noise!" he exclaimed, his voice tight with fury. "It’s been all day! It’s ridiculous!"

He felt his face flush. He mumbled a weak apology, his voice barely audible. The man's gaze was piercing, making him feel exposed. His palms began to sweat. He just wanted the floor to open and swallow him whole. The world felt like it was closing in around him.