Gemotions

He felt the familiar knot tighten in his gut as the neighbor presented their request. He saw the gleam in their eyes, the genuine enthusiasm for gardening. His lip curled, just slightly. Sharing, cooperation, these were things he didn’t understand.

He imagined the potential clutter, the inevitable mess, the unwanted company. His carefully structured existence, his peaceful solitude, felt threatened. He surveyed the yard, a perfect rectangle of green, all his.

"I'll consider it," he said, the words a begrudging concession. He felt a profound sense of satisfaction as he closed the door, shutting out the sunshine.