Gemotions

The sound of hammering echoed through the neighborhood. Mr. Chen was building his fence. The style was stark and imposing, a wall. It was meant to keep children and dogs out of his vegetable garden. I felt a twinge, a dull ache in my chest.

I knew he'd had trouble with the neighborhood kids trampling his plants. I understood. But the wall... It felt wrong.

I thought of the laughter, the games, the shared tomatoes. I could not help but walk over. "Is there anything I can do to help with the project?" I offered, carefully, trying to sound as un-intrusive as possible.