Gemotions

From his balcony, he watched as they laid the foundation for the fence. It was so easy. A single morning's work. He'd wanted a fence for privacy, for a sense of separation from the world. Now, he felt the opposite, as though his own property suddenly was exposed.

He sat on his balcony, the evening sun casting long shadows. He drank beer. He should be happy. But he felt a twist, a slow burn, in his chest. His own patio furniture, once a source of pleasure, now seemed old and worn.

He lit a cigarette, even though he knew he shouldn't.