Gemotions

A sharp rap on the door jolted Leo from his stupor. He stared at the chipped paint, the threadbare welcome mat, and the dust bunnies clinging to the baseboards. A shadow fell across the frosted glass panel. He took a deep, ragged breath, then slowly opened the door. Mrs. Gable, a woman whose face always seemed permanently etched in disapproval, stood there, arms crossed. "The noise," she stated, her voice tight. Leo just nodded, his gaze drifting past her shoulder. He felt like a weight was pressing on his shoulders, making it difficult to stand.