Gemotions

The incessant banging pierced through Clara's headphones, which were blasting music at an ear-splitting volume. She ripped them off, her ears ringing. The sudden silence, broken only by the rhythmic thudding, was somehow worse. She felt like she was trapped.

She ran to the window. She saw the neighbor's house enveloped in a cloud of dust. She pressed her forehead against the cool glass, eyes scanning the scene, searching for an end.

"No, no, no," she whispered, her voice trembling. Her throat felt tight. She started pacing, her hands wringing. This would be a disaster.