Construction Noise

The sound of the construction outside was getting to him. Oliver had been sitting at his desk all day, trying to get some work done. He’d been sitting there, trying his hardest, but the constant banging, and sounds of machinery from outside his apartment was really pervasive. The windows were closed, and still, the sound crept in.

Oliver worked from home. He had been doing that for a few months, and for the most part, it was something that he truly loved. Being at home meant that he didn’t have to commute into work an hour each way — and he liked having more time to himself. He got to save on food costs, as he no longer spent money at the coffee shop, or the diner across the street from work. Being here meant that he could wear sweatpants and tanks, instead of the ironed shirts, and creased pants that was the bulk of his workplace attire. Starchy shirts buttoned up claustrophobically to the collar, and brown leather shoes that never quite fit right.

Being at home all day, it really made everything better. But today? Not so much. Oliver’s nerves were frayed, as every time he thought the workers were done, they started up again. He could feel the vibrations of their machinery, and it was an erratic rat-a-tat that went on for way too long.

Oliver went to the window, and pulled back the curtains. He glared at the workers down below. He knew that it wasn’t their fault. They were just doing their job. It was the summer, and here in the city, that was always construction season. In winter, the city was shrouded with ice, and snow — and it was dismally cold. So, construction projects would crop up in the summer months, leading to multiple road closures, house-building projects, pothole repairs, and so much more. But still, Oliver hated all the noise they were making. It was nearly six o’clock in the evening, and he figured that they’d be done soon enough.

In the meantime, Oliver had to rely on his headphones to block out as much of the noise as possible. The headphones really helped. He couldn’t wait until the leaves turned orange and red, and the sky would take on its lovely dull grey colour. The rain would fall torrentially, eventually turning into thick white flakes. Soon, it would be winter, and he could cozy up with a hot chocolate, and enjoy the snow.