Gemotions

He ran a hand through his hair, already slick with sweat despite the cool morning air. A tremor shivered through him as the jackhammer roared to life next door. It felt like the ground itself was shaking. Michael closed his eyes, picturing the fragile peace of his living room, now under siege.

"Damn it," he muttered, the words barely audible. He pictured the report due tomorrow, the presentation he needed to finalize. The incessant noise felt like a physical weight, pressing down on him, making it difficult to concentrate. He felt the familiar thrumming in his temples.