Gemotions

The email, subject line "Important Announcement Regarding Your Residence," had the usual pleasantries. Leo scrolled through it, his jaw tight. New ownership. Renovations. Increased property values.

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture he often made when trying to process unwelcome news. He'd lived in that apartment for twenty years. Twenty years of knowing the quirks of the building, the rhythm of his neighbors.

"Increased property values," he repeated aloud, the words tasting like ash. He imagined the construction noise, the transient new residents. The peace, he suspected, was about to be shattered.