Gemotions

The dog's constant barking, amplified by the thin walls, was relentless. It pierced Sarah’s attempts to read. She slammed the book closed, the sound echoing in her quiet space. She ran a hand over her eyes.

She looked at the walls, the furniture, everything felt smaller. She felt the air grow thick, almost suffocating. She felt a growing pressure in her chest.

She went to the window, watching the children playing in the park. She longed to join them, to forget, but the barking continued. She leaned against the wall, a single word repeating inside her, *when?*