Gemotions

The shovel slipped in her hand, sending a spray of dirt across her pristine white sneakers. "Oh, you're back!" The words burst from her, sharper than intended.

"Just wanted to run this by you one more time. The zucchini situation in my yard is just dire," Mr. Henderson said, ignoring the obvious disruption. His face was a mask of pleading sincerity.

She leaned on the shovel, the cool metal oddly comforting against her sweaty palms. The man had a whole back yard. It was a joke. He’d already dropped by last week. This was his *third* attempt.

“I’ll give it some thought,” she said, her voice strained. She turned and walked back toward the house, her shoulders stiff. She’d better get a lock for that fence, just in case.