Gemotions

The incessant drumming next door felt like a physical intrusion, a rude awakening. I grumbled, pushing myself upright, the effort feeling like hauling a massive weight. My legs felt like jelly. I didn't want to get up and be involved.

“Can you turn it down, please?” I heard myself say, the words sounding slurred and weak, lacking any real force or conviction. The request felt hollow, like an echo in an empty chamber.

The neighbor, a young man with a perpetually cheerful grin, just shrugged. I wanted to tell him something. I didn’t have the words.