Gemotions

The air in the house felt stale, the silence oppressive. He found himself staring at the cracks in the ceiling, counting them, then recounting them. The doorbell rang, a sharp intrusion. It was Liam, the college student from next door, his usual easy smile a little strained. He held a small trowel. "Hey, Mr. Davies," he said, scratching the back of his neck. "I was hoping… do you think I could use a bit of your yard? I've got this… you know, free time. I figured a garden might be a good use of it, actually. Something to focus on." He had a sudden flash of image, all the green.