Gemotions

The shadows in his living room seemed to deepen as the fence went up. He switched off the television, the silence amplifying the rhythmic thudding of the hammer. Each nail driven in felt like a personal betrayal.

He remembered how easy it had been before, to step outside and feel connected, not just to his own little yard, but to the world beyond. The fence was going to change all of that. He felt like he would be trapped.

He poured himself another glass of whiskey, the amber liquid doing little to ease the tightness in his chest. He felt a familiar knot forming in his stomach, a precursor to the feeling he struggled against every day. He sank into his armchair, the worn fabric offering little comfort.

He closed his eyes.