Gemotions

He was lost in the film, the flickering images casting dancing shadows on the walls. The scene was playing, and the music swelled. Then came a violent, irritated banging on the wall. He flinched, the spell broken.

It was Mr. Garcia, his face a storm of displeasure. "The noise! It's outrageous! I can't hear my own television!" His voice was high-pitched with irritation.

He paused the film. The movie was one he and his daughter, Elena, used to watch together every Saturday. He had made some popcorn, exactly the way she liked it. He looked at the empty seat beside him.

He felt a pang of longing, a dull ache that resonated in his chest. He lowered the volume, the silence now a deafening presence. He wanted to tell Mr. Garcia about Elena, about the joy she brought into his life, but knew it wouldn’t matter. He just nodded and closed the door.