Gemotions

Sweat beaded on David's forehead as he watched the beagle bound across his freshly mown lawn, tail wagging furiously. He instinctively shielded his face, as if expecting a physical blow. The fence was supposed to keep *that* from happening. He swore under his breath, eyes narrowed on the carefree canine.

He'd spent all morning meticulously setting up his new bird feeder, hoping to attract a cardinal. The thought of those little birds being frightened off by a playful pup made his jaw tighten. He rubbed his aching lower back, all that work for nothing, if the dog kept coming.

"Hey!" he called out, his voice a strained whisper. Buddy, seemingly oblivious, was already sniffing around the base of the bird feeder, its long ears flapping with each movement. David felt a wave of frustration wash over him.