Gemotions

The rhythmic thud of the hammer echoed in Ethan’s skull. His normally steady heartbeat felt erratic, matching the jarring cadence. He tried to read, but the words swam before his eyes. He felt a growing sense of panic, a tightening in his chest.

He retreated to the bedroom, pulling the covers over his head. The darkness offered a small comfort, but the sound seeped through, a relentless echo. He imagined a world without noise, a place of silent stillness.

He felt a deep sense of despair. He closed his eyes, imagining himself somewhere else, anywhere else, where the hammering didn't exist. He felt trapped, his world shrinking with each blow of the hammer.