Gemotions

A wave of nausea washed over Clara as she saw Mrs. Rodriguez marching up the hallway towards her apartment. She knew what was coming. It always was. The music, the laughter, the "rowdy gatherings."

She braced herself, taking a long, slow breath as the knocking began. Her body felt stiff and awkward as she opened the door. Mrs. Rodriguez's usual smile was absent, replaced by a tight-lipped expression.

"The music," she began, voice sharp, "is disturbing the peace." Clara found herself shrinking back, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She couldn't meet the woman's eyes.

"I... I understand," Clara whispered, the words barely audible. She watched the woman's back as she went back down the hall. Slowly, she closed the door, and locked it.