Gemotions

It arrived with the morning mail, a crisp, official-looking notice from the building management. “Noise violations.” Jessica, still in her pajamas, felt a wave of icy dread wash over her. She’d been teaching a Zumba class in her apartment, the music and energetic movements a joyful release.

She crumpled the notice, a violent gesture. Her hands trembled. She felt a need to argue, to defend her right to express herself. A hot tear escaped, tracing a path down her cheek. She picked up her phone, ready to fight the world.