Gemotions

The morning air felt stale and heavy in the small apartment. David shuffled towards the door, the floorboards groaning under his feet. The incessant buzzing was the final straw. He opened the door to find Ms. Chen, her hands clasped primly in front of her.

"David, dear," she began, her tone a little too sweet. "Regarding that oak tree… it's encroaching on my garden, you see. I would be terribly grateful if…" Her voice trailed off, leaving the request unsaid.

He felt a deep exhaustion settle into his bones. The mere thought of having to engage in conversation, to make a decision, was enough to make his chest tighten. He looked at the tree, then back at Ms. Chen, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. All he wanted was to be alone, to be still, to do absolutely nothing.