Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread from the bakery down the street, usually a source of pleasure, only amplified Maria's irritation. The fence. The audacity of it. The lack of consideration from her neighbor, George. She slammed the kitchen cabinet shut, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet house.

She stared out the window, at the spot where the fence would stand. Her jaw tightened, her hands clenching into fists. It was as if someone was deliberately trying to ruin her day, to trample on her small joys.

She felt a hollowness in her chest, a feeling of being unfairly treated. She wanted to scream, to lash out, but she knew it wouldn't change anything. She walked away from the window, finding a refuge in the emptiness of the next room.