Gemotions

The radio music was a poor attempt to blot out the drilling. It did not work. It was like trying to stop a waterfall with a teacup. Her hands were clammy as she reached for the volume knob, but she found herself unable to turn it up.

She imagined the chaos next door, the dust and the noise. She pictured the workers laughing. The thought made her want to retreat.

She sat rigid on the sofa, her back straight. She wanted to yell at them to stop, but the words wouldn't come. She swallowed hard, trying to keep herself together.