Gemotions

The rhythmic thump of the lawnmower faded as I saw David, his usually relaxed posture stiffen as he walked towards me. He held a shovel in his hand. My senses heightened, noticing the dust motes dancing in the sunlit air.

"Hey, Sarah," David began, his voice hesitant. He wiped a bead of sweat from his brow.

A flicker of unease went through me. "Yes, David?" I replied, my voice tight.

"I was thinking," he continued, "about maybe… you know… utilizing some of the unused space. For a small vegetable patch." My heart rate sped up.

My gaze flicked back and forth between David and the pristine expanse of my backyard. He watched me carefully. “Your yard is quite… open,” he added. I felt a prickle of tension in my shoulders.

“I am unsure,” I said carefully. “Of what you mean by utilizing my space.”