Gemotions

The HOA representative's call. The drone of a recorded message. The complaint about the karaoke. It all echoed in Eleanor's mind. The feeling of shame was hot, stinging her cheeks. She stared at the karaoke machine, now an object of immense embarrassment.

Her fingers traced the controls of the machine, as if it was a bomb. The apartment felt too small, the walls closing in. She felt a profound need to escape.

She grabbed her coat. She needed to get out, needed to breathe. The outside air, cold and crisp, was a welcome relief. She walked briskly, the pace helping to steady her racing thoughts.