Gemotions

The headache had already settled in behind her eyes, a dull throb that worsened with each clang. She'd been up since dawn, battling with a stack of invoices, and the cacophony next door was the final straw. She pressed her fingertips to her temples, trying to find some semblance of calm.

The incessant banging made it impossible to concentrate. She slammed her laptop shut, the abrupt action a frustrated outburst. Her breath hitched. She needed air, something, anything to break the tension.

She grabbed her keys and fled the apartment, the thudding in her chest echoing the building noises she just escaped. The fresh air outside did not help. She walked fast, her steps echoing on the sidewalk. She needed it to stop.