Gemotions

The pounding bass vibrated through the floorboards, a relentless rhythm that was making Sarah’s teeth ache. She slammed her gardening gloves onto the kitchen counter, the action louder than intended. Sighing, she pulled the phone from her pocket and tapped on her neighbor’s number. Three rings. Four. The music pulsed, each beat a hammer blow against her skull. "Come on, come on," she muttered under her breath, tapping a fingernail against the cold screen. Finally, a voice answered, a cheerful "Hello?" Sarah took a deep breath.

“It’s Sarah from next door,” she said, her voice tight. "Could you possibly turn the music down? I’m trying to, uh, work." She pictured her neighbor, probably sprawled on a sofa, oblivious. Irritation flared in her chest.