Gemotions

He stared at the ceiling, the stucco texture a familiar pattern he usually found comforting. Now, it just felt oppressive. The complaint. He’d been so happy, for a little while, lost in the music.

He felt the familiar knot forming in his stomach. He’d tried to be considerate. He’d tried to keep the volume down. Was it ever enough? He pushed the blankets aside, the effort tiring.

He sat on the edge of the bed, feeling the coolness of the sheets against his skin. He closed his eyes, hearing the faint hum of the air conditioner, the distant sounds of the city. He sighed, the sound barely audible.