Gemotions

The relentless drilling was driving him mad. He slammed his fist on the table, wincing at the dull ache that bloomed in his knuckles. Kevin tried to focus on his work, but every few minutes, the piercing whine of a power tool from next door shattered his concentration. He knew what was happening: The new owners were gutting their kitchen.

He recalled his own experience, years ago, when he renovated his own kitchen. The delays, the unexpected costs, the sheer, utter mess.

He started to think about the homeowners, who had just moved in last month. They had two children, a dog, and seemingly endless optimism. Kevin knew that optimism would be tested. He walked over to his fridge, feeling a sudden, unexplained urge to cook a casserole. It might not solve anything, but it was the least he could do.