Gemotions

The rhythmic thumping, a steady beat that filled the quiet evening, stopped abruptly. David heard the hesitant knock, a polite tap that nonetheless broke the spell. He was lost in the rhythm, swaying slightly with the music, eyes closed.

It was Mr. Peterson, his face a mask of annoyance. "Young man, the bass… it's shaking my china." His voice was tight, but his gaze held a flicker of something else.

David, still humming the tune, lowered the volume. He knew he'd been careless. His apartment, once so full of laughter with his sister, now felt cavernous and empty. He missed her constant presence, her infectious laughter that used to fill this space.

He turned off the music, a hollow feeling echoing inside. He thought of the times they had dancing together to the same song. The memories were vivid and piercing. He felt an emptiness that even the loudest music couldn’t fill. He apologized to Mr. Peterson, the words catching in his throat.