Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the yard as Michael heard the gate creak. His neighbor, Mr. Garcia, stood there, a smile radiating from his face. He felt his muscles tense.

"Michael, good to see you! Listen, I was thinking… your yard is just lovely. And my soil is terrible. Would you mind if I just, perhaps, used a small area to grow some peppers? Just a little bit?" Michael felt a strange tingling sensation, and he was suddenly very aware of the way the sun was hitting the back of his neck.

Michael looked out at his meticulously planned garden. The idea of sharing his space… "I… I'll have to think about it," he said, his voice barely audible. The words felt heavy in his mouth.

He watched Mr. Garcia leave, the gate closing with a decisive click. He went to the kitchen and made a cup of tea. He needed to get away from the feeling.