Gemotions

"Excuse me, dear, do you have a moment?" The shrill voice pierced the early morning quiet, and she nearly dropped her coffee mug. She closed her eyes briefly, feeling a familiar tension in her shoulders. It was Mrs. Abernathy, her voice syrupy sweet.

She turned slowly, schooling her features into a neutral expression. "Yes, Mrs. Abernathy?"

"Well, I was just admiring your lovely tulips. Such a shame they'll have to be cut back in a week! I was thinking, perhaps, I could utilize a small portion of your south-facing garden to grow some herbs. You know, to brighten up the place." The woman's eyes glittered expectantly. It was as if she were speaking a foreign language.

Her grip on the mug tightened. “I’ll get back to you," she said, before abruptly turning and retreating back inside.