Gemotions

The rhythmic hammering had begun before dawn. Jessica, eyes still gritty with sleep, threw back the covers. That blasted renovation next door! She stormed to the kitchen, brewing a pot of strong coffee. This time, she wouldn’t just seethe. She grabbed her phone and headed out the door.

She walked towards the noise, a determined glint in her eyes. "Good morning!" she called out, a smile plastered on her face, but her tone was firm. She pointed to a sign on a nearby lamp post, "This requires a permit, doesn't it?"

Her heart hammered against her ribs, but her voice stayed steady. The foreman, a hulking man, looked at her with a mix of surprise and annoyance. She waited, watching the workers, hands on her hips, a silent challenge in her stance. It was up to her to protect the peace, she thought, and the thought made her feel capable.