Gemotions

A cold sweat slicked down Elias’s back as the jackhammer roared to life. His stomach churned. The vibrations rattled the glasses in his kitchen cabinet, each one threatening to shatter. He slammed the newspaper down, unable to concentrate on the crossword.

He pressed his hands over his ears, but the noise persisted, a physical presence that threatened to consume him. He imagined the walls of his own house crumbling, the roof collapsing. His breath hitched in his throat.

He knew he should call his sister, tell her he needed her. But the phone seemed miles away. He couldn't even bring himself to stand up. He was paralyzed, rooted to his chair, the sound of demolition echoing in his mind.