Gemotions

The smell of sawdust and freshly cut lumber was intoxicating to Chloe. It had started subtly, a feeling of mild curiosity, as the construction began next door. Now, it was a full-blown obsession. She found herself rearranging her living room furniture to provide the optimal vantage point from which to observe the progress.

Her new neighbor, Daniel, was a blur of motion. He moved with a focused energy that was captivating. His laugh was a rare, precious sound, and she would find herself holding her breath, hoping to catch it again.

One day, he walked over, a toolbox in his hand, and asked if she needed help with anything. Chloe's palms started to sweat. She managed a mumbled "no, thank you," acutely aware of how disheveled she looked and how intensely her eyes were fixed on his. She’d never felt so aware of her own appearance before.