Gemotions

The world felt too loud. Too much. Sarah sank onto the sofa, the cushions doing little to absorb the turmoil inside her. The noise from the party next door, a cacophony of laughter and music, was like a physical blow. She wrapped her arms around herself, as if trying to hold her scattered pieces together.

She needed calm, needed quiet. Just a moment of peace. A blank screen, a silent world. She pictured herself disappearing into a deep, silent cave, a place where no one could touch her.

Her phone began to buzz again – a text from Mr. Henderson, the eternally grumpy neighbor. Another complaint. Another battle. She took a shuddering breath and picked up the phone, her fingers trembling. "Yes, Mr. Henderson," she said, her voice strained. The battle began.