Gemotions

The doorbell rang, and Leo froze. He was mid-sentence to himself, in the middle of a routine task. He felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of dread. He looked through the peephole. It was Mrs. Miller, a neighbor known for her persistent requests.

He took a deep breath, and took a few moments to think, but that didn't help. He opened the door.

"Leo, dear!" Mrs. Miller said brightly. “I was wondering if you’d be amenable to me planting some sunflowers near the fence line? My children simply adore them." Leo’s palms began to sweat.

He mumbled a response and watched her leave. Once the door was closed, he sank onto the floor, the world suddenly seeming too large, too overwhelming.