Gemotions

The newspaper felt heavy in Mark's hands. He’d been trying to read the local news, but the words kept blurring together. A delicious lack of focus had taken over. He stared blankly at a headline about a town hall meeting.

A hammering noise, rhythmic and persistent, began to echo from next door. His head drooped. Ugh, the sound made him feel like his bones were melting. He closed his eyes.

"Mark?" The voice came from the open window. It was Mrs. Davis, her face a bright splash of colour against the sunlight.

He blinked, struggling to focus. She was pointing towards her yard, where a fence-building crew had already begun their work. He mumbled an acknowledgement, wishing she'd just leave him alone.

"Just thought you'd want to know, dear! We’re finally getting that fence installed." He nodded again, and closed his eyes.