Gemotions

"Oh, bother," Amelia murmured, carefully arranging the lilies on her dining table. The afternoon light cast long shadows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Her small apartment felt peaceful, a haven from the world outside.

A loud BANG! echoed from the adjacent apartment. The neighbor’s renovation. A slight tightening in her chest, a momentary jolt.

She took another step back and observed her floral arrangement, pleased with how they looked. The vibrant colors soothed her. She turned on the music, a mellow jazz piece that filled the space with comforting rhythms. The construction noises were now a vague, distant annoyance.