Gemotions

The hammering next door started again. It was a physical assault. It vibrated up through the floor, making her teeth ache. Her hands clenched into fists.

She was already on edge, the smallest thing setting her off. The incessant pounding felt like a personal attack. She gripped the arms of her chair, trying to steady herself.

She took deep, rattling breaths, counting each one. She imagined the carpenter next door, his obliviousness a source of great frustration. The walls seemed to be closing in.