Gemotions

The first thing she heard in the morning was the hammering, the last thing she heard at night. Sarah wanted to scream, but instead, she just sat hunched on her couch, staring at the ceiling. The renovation next door, the one she’d sneered at as “unnecessary extravagance,” had transformed her quiet solitude into a cacophony. She should have been more supportive to her neighbor, Emily.

She had told Emily her plans were ridiculous. Now, watching the beautiful new additions to Emily's home, Sarah felt an unfamiliar ache in her chest. She longed for the connection they once had.

The sun shone through the windows, mocking her misery. She picked up her phone to text Emily, then put it back down again.