Gemotions

The sunlight streamed into her kitchen, reflecting off the pristine, untouched counters. Maria’s neighbor, Sarah, was there, a gardening book open in her hands. The book cast an unwanted, stark shadow in the clean space.

"Maria, this area next to the fence… it gets such great sun. Could I, maybe, utilize it?" Sarah’s smile was bright, almost unnervingly so. Maria's own smile felt frozen in place. Her hands were clasped so tightly her knuckles were white.

A strange buzzing filled Maria's ears. She nodded, the movement jerky. The air in the room seemed suddenly thick, heavy. She felt a lightness, an almost weightless sensation as the words escaped her lips. “Of course, Sarah. Anything at all.”