Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the frantic drumming inside Liam’s chest. He hadn’t slept in two nights. The relentless construction next door had burrowed into his brain, a woodpecker chipping away at his sanity. He caught his reflection in the hallway mirror – eyes bloodshot, skin pale, a stranger staring back.

He jammed his hands into his pockets, fingers curling into fists. A shiver ran down his spine, a cold premonition. His neighbor, Mrs. Gable, knocked, her smile too bright, her voice too sweet.

"Dear, is everything alright? You haven't been yourself."

He could only manage a strangled, "Fine," before turning away. The pounding started again, and he squeezed his eyes shut. Fine was a lie.