Forewarnings of an Argument

Silence.
Jaw muscles flexing
Stiff shoulders
Eyes narrowed
I’m distracted
Now there’s lots of traffic outside
And I can’t hear what you’re saying.
Your voice is loud,
Or perhaps too quiet,
Syllables swallowed in your speech.
The dog has gone outside.
I can’t sit still.
I need something to occupy my hands.
Avoid these topics at all costs:
Family
Money
Vacation
Work
Grocery shopping
Making the bed
Doing laundry
What’s for dinner?
House cleaning.
I have a headache—this is the surest sign.