Gemotions

The heat was oppressive, mirroring the rising temperature inside him as he watched the man approach. That smug expression, that air of entitlement… it set his teeth on edge.

He grabbed the nearest can of beer, crushing the aluminum as he listened, the sound a small act of defiance. The man's words, a jumbled mess of concern and suggestion, faded into the background as he focused on his own simmering emotions.

The tree. A hazard, apparently. A nuisance. As if *his* problems were of any consequence. He shifted his weight, his eyes darting around the yard, a calculated act of boredom.

He finally spoke, his voice dry and devoid of any enthusiasm. “I’ll need to check the local ordinances, of course. This isn’t a quick decision.” He cracked the can open, the hiss a sharp rejection.