Gemotions

The phone rang, slicing through the quiet. Amelia stared at the caller ID, her stomach twisting into a knot. It was Mrs. Peterson, the woman who lived next door and whose life apparently revolved around quiet. She let it ring, willing it to stop, but the incessant chime echoed through the room.

Finally, with a sigh of resignation, she picked up the phone. “Hello?” Her voice sounded strained, even to her own ears.

“Amelia, dear, could you possibly turn down the music? It’s… a bit much.” The voice on the other end was icy, and Amelia felt a strange chill go through her. She immediately felt regret. She’d been enjoying the music so much.