Gemotions

The scent of lavender wafted through the air as Olivia watered her hanging baskets. The gentle routine, the soft touch of the water, and the colorful flowers brought her a sense of equilibrium. She found contentment in the small things.

A sleek black SUV, the kind that cost more than her house, pulled up in front of her neighbor’s house. Mrs. Rodriguez, who was always seen wearing the same faded floral dresses, stepped out.

She smiled. It was peculiar, but it did not trouble her. She went back to her flowers, the world feeling right.