Gemotions

The feeling of the cool earth between her fingers, the vibrant green of the new seedlings, brought her immense satisfaction. She knelt in the garden, meticulously weeding, the sun warming her back. The gentle breeze whispered through the leaves of the cherry tree, scattering petals across the freshly tilled soil.

A shadow fell across her work. It was Mr. Davies, his face obscured by the brim of his hat. He spoke of the tall spruce that stood on the property line.

"Mary, do you think... could we maybe talk about the tree? Its roots are causing a bit of a problem with my foundation," he said, his voice quiet. She stood up slowly, brushing the dirt from her hands. She met his gaze, and then gestured towards the water hose. "Let's go have a glass of lemonade, and we'll discuss it."