Gemotions

The vibrant green of her lawn felt suddenly vulnerable. The proposal for the fence was taped to her door, a stark contrast to the colorful flowers she'd planted there. She couldn't stop the tremors in her hands as she read it.

She started locking the doors even when she was home. Her breath caught in her throat every time she heard a loud noise or saw someone walking past. The world outside seemed suddenly treacherous.

The fence, in her mind, was already built, a fortress around her house, and she was the prisoner. She’d always loved the openness of the street, the sense of community. Now, it felt like an isolating cage.