Gemotions

A tightening in his chest made it hard to breathe. He stared at the ceiling, tracing the cracks with his gaze. It was useless to try and focus on work. He kept hearing the rhythmic thudding from next door, each impact a hammer blow to his already frayed nerves. It had started first thing this morning.

He threw the covers back and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He felt the need to flee, to be anywhere but here. He grabbed his keys, and without a word, he left his apartment and headed outside. He kicked at a pebble on the sidewalk, watching it skitter into the street. Where should he go?