Gemotions

The complaint was not unexpected. He knew, deep down, that the music had been too loud. Now, the official notice, neatly printed on cream-colored paper, lay on the front step. He could not ignore it.

He ripped the paper, then tossed the fragments into the garbage can. His jaw was clenched, his shoulders rigid. He felt his pulse hammering against his temples. He ran his hand over his face.

He went to turn off the music, but found his fingers wouldn't move with the speed he intended. His head was filled with a cacophony of sound. He let out a long breath, and sat down on the floor, suddenly spent.