Gemotions

The rhythmic thump, thump, thump of the bass drum echoed in Leo's head, even after he'd turned the music down. He ran a hand through his hair, the strands catching on his sweaty forehead. He felt suddenly flushed, his breathing shallow. He glanced at the closed window, then at the clock.

He grabbed a bottle of water and chugged it down, the cold liquid doing little to quench the internal heat. He knew the source of his discomfort. The persistent glare from across the fence. The curt nod when they passed in the street.

The ringing of the phone jolted him, a sharp intrusion into his carefully constructed calm. He knew who it would be.