Gemotions

The notice taped to her door felt like a personal affront. *Mr. Henderson intends to install a fence…* She crumpled the flimsy paper in her fist, the edges digging into her palm. Her jaw tightened as she scanned the perfectly manicured lawn next door. Henderson, the epitome of suburban blandness, wanting to cordon off his precious patch of green. Over *her* property line.

She marched outside, slamming the door. The sun glared, making her squint. Henderson was already out there, a tape measure clutched in his hand, a smug smile plastered across his face. She strode over the lawn, ignoring the "Keep Off the Grass" sign he'd so meticulously placed. Her own grass was, as always, a glorious mess of wildflowers and clover.

"Morning, Mrs. Gable," Henderson chirped, trying to keep the smile in place. "Just marking the boundary for the fence."

She crossed her arms, a slow burn rising in her chest. "Is that so, Mr. Henderson? Because I'm not so sure about that boundary."