Gemotions

The pounding in her chest was relentless, a frantic rhythm against her ribs. She’d seen the shadow of her neighbor, Mr. Peterson, at her window just moments before. He was known for his irritability. His gaze had been locked onto her window, and the music had been playing. She instantly felt a constriction in her throat.

She turned off the music, the sudden quiet an amplification of her unease. Every creak of the house, every rustle of leaves outside, became a source of nervous tension. She chewed on her lip, a habit she'd long tried to break. She replayed the encounter in her mind, over and over, dissecting every glance, every potential slight.