Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the street festival seemed muted today. He saw Mr. Rodriguez, his neighbor, loading groceries into his car, the older man’s face a mask of indifference. Last night, the music had been blaring, the crowd roaring with laughter. Now, the memory hung over him like a shroud.

A wave of heat washed over him. He had been so intent on having a good time, on forgetting his worries, that he'd disregarded the peace of others. The celebratory atmosphere felt alien now, the joy replaced by a heavy, suffocating feeling.

He picked at a scab on his hand, his gaze fixed on the asphalt. He wanted to apologize, but the words felt trapped. He'd ruined everything. The desire to rewind was so strong, so powerful.