Gemotions

The phone vibrated on the counter, and David snapped it up, his thumb slamming the answer button with excessive force. "Yes?" he barked into the receiver.

It was Brenda, his neighbor, on the other end, her voice syrupy-sweet as she explained her desire. He could feel his shoulders tense, his patience wearing thin.

He rubbed the bridge of his nose, a dull ache beginning to throb behind his eyes. He wished she had just sent an email. This whole conversation felt utterly pointless.

"Brenda," he said, his voice clipped, "I'll have to think about it." He hung up without waiting for a reply, the sudden silence a welcome relief.