Gemotions

The clatter of tools echoed through her open window. "Oh, for heaven's sake," muttered Chloe, throwing her hands up in exasperation. She'd been looking forward to an afternoon of reading in the sun.

She abruptly closed the window, but it offered little respite. The sounds still bled through, a relentless intrusion. She felt a wave of cold wash over her, a chill that had nothing to do with the weather.

She went to the kitchen and grabbed a beer. She sat at the table, staring at the unopened book, unable to read. The energy for it had been completely drained. Each clang, each bang, each shouted instruction, chipped away at her resolve to enjoy the day.