Gemotions

He heard the first screech of the saw and felt a prickling heat under his collar. Mark wasn't going to budge. He’d lived in this quiet cul-de-sac for twelve years, and he wouldn't be bullied into anything. He grabbed his noise-canceling headphones, then deliberately turned the volume all the way up.

The first text message, from his wife, came five minutes later: *Are you okay? The noise is horrendous.* He ignored it. He was not okay, but he was also not going to cave. He took a deep breath, focusing on the lyrics of the heavy metal track.

Later, he went outside and watered the lawn with extra care, methodically adjusting the sprinkler heads to ensure maximum coverage. He would stay out there, tending to his garden, until the sun went down. He would show them.