Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the freshly mowed lawn. Amelia stretched, the gentle pull in her muscles a pleasant sensation after a long day of gardening. She reached for her iced tea, the condensation cool against her fingertips, and settled into the wicker chair. The gentle rocking motion was a comfort. From the corner of her eye, she noticed a flash of brown fur. Buster, her neighbor's perpetually adventurous golden retriever, was again in her rose bushes.

"Well, hello there, handsome," she murmured, her voice soft as she set down her drink. She stood, moving at a measured pace, and clicked her tongue softly. "You know you're not supposed to be here, don't you?" Buster wagged his tail, oblivious to her scolding. Amelia chuckled, carefully opening the gate and guiding him back to his own yard. She closed the gate, the click echoing in the peaceful quiet.