Gemotions

“Hello, Ms. Evans! Lovely day, isn’t it?” The voice, too loud, too close, made Elizabeth startle. She nearly dropped the watering can she was holding. She twisted around, hands shaking. It was Mr. Chen, a newcomer to the neighborhood.

“Yes, it is,” she replied, her voice strained. Mr. Chen was grinning, radiating an unnerving enthusiasm.

"I was wondering," he began, gesturing expansively at her garden, “if maybe I could plant some of my vegetables on the east side of your fence, yes? My space is too small, yes?” Elizabeth stared at his outstretched hand, and felt a coldness wash over her.

She mumbled something about not knowing, and quickly retreated inside, locking the door behind her. Her heart raced, each beat echoing in her ears.